Authentic Presence Vital
By Holly Culhane
A personal relationship with the Shepherd. Provision. Protection. What other pivotal element could there possibly be of shepherding? Read carefully through these six verses again, and you’ll see it.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23 NLT)
The final pivotal element in leading well – whether you are influencing your family, your neighbors, your work team, or your church congregants is this…
Godly shepherds are authentically present for those they lead.
Whether the Almighty was walking with David through his darkest times, guiding him through victory, showering divine favor upon him, restoring him from sin, or increasing his desire to know the Father more deeply, David knew His shepherd was with him. He knew God was at-hand, always available and engaged. Those we influence need the same assurance.
The diligent shepherd rises early and goes out first thing every morning, without fail, to look over the flock. The shepherd considers this the initial, intimate contact of the day. Sheep scatter without a shepherd, and they run when they sense danger. Their only hope for protection comes from the shepherd’s presence. The bonding that occurs as a result of the security of round-the-clock care, whether by the shepherd the sheep know best or as delegated to another like-minded guardian, is remarkable. Sheep will follow the shepherd who is present and who offers provision and protection. Indeed, the interpersonal history of frequent, long-term, and intimate contact secures the flock’s obedience, even in times of great distress. A cycle of sacrificial ‘shepherd service’ and ‘flock trust’ repeats and reinforces itself throughout the seasons.
With the distractions that surround us today – from mobile phones, smart watches, and tablets to the 150 television channels available in the average household, the 48 million podcast episodes accessible, and the unlimited social media opportunities – there are more occasions than ever before for our attention to be pulled away from what matters most, being present with the Good Shepherd allowing Him to shepherd us, and with the sheep He has entrusted to our care. It is for this very reason we must do the opposite of what society calls us to today.
People need godly leaders. They need a shepherd, a God-submissive, service-driven, sacrifice-oriented influencer that’s available for them when they most require it … and when they least expect it … sometimes with a solution, often with a listening ear, and always with genuine care and focused, whole-hearted attention.
Our Father knew that need. That’s why He sent The Good Shepherd to be present among us as Emmanuel and why He left the Comforter, the Holy Spirit with us when He returned to the Father.
The most important promise God gave Abraham when he headed into the unknown was “I will be with you”. His promise to Moses was the same. David affirmed God’s presence throughout the Psalms, and it brought him great confidence. To this point, David wrote in Psalm 139,
“I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to Heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
Even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.”
Digging Deeper Questions
- Are you known for your fondness of the sheep in your life, even for those who give you the most sorrow and struggle? If so, how? If not, why not? Does your behavior in this area reflect the heart of a shepherd and the will of the Father?
- What skills do you consistently practice that indicate a desire to listen well to those entrusted to your care?
- Do you demonstrate appropriate eye contact, ask exploring questions, provide verbal, attentive replies, and follow up on commitments?
