Expressions or figures of speech can make the idea memorable. Metaphors are rich with meaning.

Our Lord called Himself the Good Shepherd (John 10). First, He took to Himself the title for Jehovah in Psalm 23:1 where David calls Jehovah his shepherd. Second, His hearers would clearly understand how vital the relationship of shepherd to sheep really was. Such a metaphor is rich in meaning.

The title for today’s devotional may be much less dramatic than the Good Shepherd metaphor, but many heads will nod in affirmation when it is spoken. We all have had various challenges in life where we know the right thing to do but recognize it will take a lot of sustained effort to do it.

The Psalmist makes a very sweeping statement that causes brave Christians to wonder if they could say as much for themselves at times. It is so easy to bless the Lord when things are going well, but when you lose your job, have to sell your home to pay the bills, or some other life changing issue, it is so much more difficult to praise the Lord.

We marvel at the courageous statement by Job in the midst of the worst disasters that have ever befallen a child of God. When Job’s situation seemed worse that one could imagine, his statement was, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…”. (Job 13:15 KJV)

Some dear believers have temporarily given up their confidence in the Lord and said unguarded things when the heat is turned up on their lives. We need to be gracious and not jump all over the struggling saint. Remember that child of God is dearly loved by their Saviour and His heart is grieved to see them stumble.

Too often we can be graceless in judging someone in trouble from our position of relative safety. When our lives are going along well, an unkind spirit may govern our tongues and instead of speaking an edifying word to lift them up we say something that crushes their spirit and holds them down.

Our Lord did what we should do in Luke 22: 31-32

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat.
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.
And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Let us all be cautious and remember that it is easier said than done. Do for the struggling believer what the Lord did for Peter and your Lord with bless you and the wounded saint as well.