Bobo is a cuddly-looking donkey whose main job is to guard sheep. I met
Bobo one wintry day while visiting a farm. He was standing near a flock
of sheep, which were grazing contentedly at an outdoor hay feeder. Bobo
looked quite placid and harmless. I could not imagine Bobo attacking a
wolf or coyote. But apparently, he can run down any canine, bite it,
kick it, pound it, and chase it off. When Bobo is near the sheep,
predators stay away!
Bobo's owner, Mrs. J, has noticed that the
sheep thrive better when he is nearby; they are relaxed and calm. But
when Bobo is gone, they get edgy; they won't eat or rest. Then, when he
joins them again, she can immediately see their bodies relax.
Bobo and his sheep remind us of the twenty-third psalm. The psalmist,
David, compares himself to a sheep who feels safe and secure. He knows
that his mighty Guardian is nearby; so he has no reason to fear
deprivation, evil, or even death. Interestingly, those are among the
most common sources of fear and anxiety still today.
Of course
Bobo can't provide everything a sheep needs. But for David, God could
indeed meet all his needs. David wrote, "I lack nothing." (v.1) He also
wrote, "My cup overflows." (v.5)
The "cup" here refers to the sum
total of one's lot in life. For each of us, that cup is half-empty and
half-full. What matters is the half through which we see life. Those who
see from the empty half will brew over what they lack or what might run
out. Their conversation suggests that they always feel shortchanged.
They live in a constant state of anxiety, distrust, and discontent. Like
the sheep without Bobo, they are edgy. They cannot enjoy the present
because they are resentful of the past and worried about the future.
Being in the empty half of the cup, they cannot see the amazing depth of
the full half.
Then, there are those who dwell in the full half,
and we can tell. They can enjoy the present. Their eyes are fixed on the
qualities of life that never run out -- but rather grow richer -- like
goodness and love. These people are content, forgiving, and generous.
The more blessing they give away, the more they receive. We enjoy their
company and feel renewed by them. That would describe David.
David was convinced that no matter what happened, God was nearby to
protect and provide abundantly. With God, life would never become empty
and meaningless: God would always give him direction ("He guides me
along the right paths" - v.3). For David, life would always overflow
with divine blessing. David lived in the full half of the cup and was
confident that goodness and love would remain with him forever -- even
into eternity.
That, my friend, portrays a trusting faith in God.
Prayer: Lord, living in the empty half of the cup is draining. We
don't want to live here anymore. Help us learn to trust You so that we
can see life as an overflowing cup -- and discover the delightful
abundance in Your presence, protection, provision, and purpose. Amen.
Diane Eaton
Kincardine, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to Daily
Presbytarian
