For all the busyness that marks modern life, we seem to be living in days when people don’t actually know where they’re going. Aimless—lacking direction or purpose—feels more accurate a description for the journey so many are on. I can’t help but wonder: Have we made such entertainment out of following others that we’ve lost sight of what we’re aiming for? It may not be obvious in the everyday-ness of life, but we are led, directed, influenced—even discipled—every time we pick up our smartphones.

I don’t have to tell you, but we live in a world obsessed with influencing, leading, and acquiring followers—always seeking new and better ways to convince others we ought to be the ones out in front. But at the same time, most of us are blindly following, not even realizing how influenced we truly are. As our devices consume more and more of our lives, following some-one has become more than the tap of a button; it is more akin to subscribing to a form of discipleship. In this current landscape of people mindlessly allowing others to daily shape how they think, feel, and see the world, I can’t help but have a whole new appreciation for Jesus’ description of us, His children. He calls us sheep.

Sheep are defenseless.

Sheep follow mindlessly, wander aimlessly.

Sheep have no sense of direction.

Is it any wonder that Jesus speaks of Himself as the leader we need as sheep?

If we are defenseless, Jesus is our Defender.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).

If we wander aimlessly, Jesus secures us.

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me (John 10:14).

If we have no sense of direction, Jesus leads us.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand (John 10:27-28).

Jesus didn’t choose to describe Himself this way arbitrarily. His listeners under-stood sheep, and many of them were shepherds. They knew what it meant for shepherds to guard their flock from predators. They had no doubt rescued a sheep that had wandered from the fold into dangerous territory. They understood the cost to a shepherd of laying down his life for his sheep—of physically and sacrificially attending to their needs and safety. They knew how much direction sheep needed and how easy it was for them to unknowingly find themselves influenced by mob-mentality if they were not shepherded.

Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. He is uniquely qualified to be the lead, to guard, to lay down His life for His sheep. He knows His flock; they are not strangers to Him. He is compassionate, tender, and patient with us, His sheep. Sheep that need our Shepherd’s protection, guidance, safekeeping, and direction. Because He is trustworthy, His sheep can rest secure in following Him.

All the way my Savior leads me;

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy,

Who through life has been my guide?

Are you letting Jesus be your guide? Or have you allowed less-worthy ideas, individuals, and things to lead your thoughts and actions? Can you look back on your life and recognize His faithful hand tenderly directing you along the way?

All the way my Savior leads me;

Cheers each winding path I tread,

Gives me grace for ev’ry trial,

Feeds me with the living bread.

Are you wandering, seeking to satisfy yourself? To feed your own soul? To find fulfillment in your journey when your Shepherd seeks to nourish you, sustain you, provide for your every need?

As these lines from a familiar hymn help us recall to mind: Our Shepherd has never and will never leave us. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). As your shepherd, Jesus watches over us all through life’s journey—even in “the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4).

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love! Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father’s house above. When my spirit, clothed immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day, This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way; This my song through endless ages: Jesus led me all the way.

We need not fear life’s winding path, the trials that may come in the darkest valleys, or the unknowns yet to be faced on the journey ahead. Like a shepherd who will not leave any of his flock but will carry those too weak to continue on their own, our Good Shepherd doesn’t just lead us out of danger—He carries us to His Father’s eternally lush pastures. He leads us all the way home.

Excerpted from: Pilgrim. Copyright © 2023 Ruth Chou Simons (art and text). Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon 97408. www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including Pilgrim, GraceLaced, Beholding and Becoming, and When Strivings Cease. She is an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker, using each of these platforms to spiritually sow the Word of God into people’s hearts. Through social media, her online shoppe at GraceLaced.com, and the GraceLaced Collective community, Simons shares her journey of God’s grace intersecting daily life with word and art. Ruth and her husband, Troy, are grateful parents to six boys—their greatest adventure.

Keep up with Ruth on Facebook, Instagram, and her website ruthchousimons.com!