“Life is fragile – handle with care.” The psalmist David described our life as sheep that need the constant care of a shepherd. The twenty-third Psalm is more than a funeral Psalm – it is a Psalm of life and hope. “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Sheep are defenseless and helpless on their own. As a shepherd protects and provides for the sheep so the Lord desires to be your shepherd. “Casting all your care on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). Is the Lord your shepherd?

Caring for others also enriches and blesses our life and the lives of those we touch. Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. Many go through life not knowing that somebody cares, that God cares. We may never know how much a caring word, touch, or deed may mean to someone. But God takes note.

Some may say, “Life is fragile and it isn’t fair.” There is scarcely a person on earth who has not experienced death, heartache, or loss. Perhaps you have experienced a telegram, “Killed in action” or are a grandmother struggling to save her grandson from drug abuse, coping with an alcoholic spouse or child, a doctor’s verdict of a terminal disease, a fire that destroys your home and possessions, or a marriage breaking up in disillusionment and bitterness. Does the Shepherd care? Yes, He longs to take you in His arms and “restore your soul” if you will only let Him. (See Psalm 23:3.)

Life is not fair. That’s why Jesus left the glories of heaven and became the “good shepherd” who laid down His life for the sheep. (See John 10.) He paid the price for our redemption that we might live freely and eternally. Sheep of His pasture no longer have to fear death. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). If you have made the Lord your Shepherd, “Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life” (Psalm 23:6). Even in tragedy He is there to work goodness and mercy out of it. (See Romans 8:28.)

“Life is fragile – handle with prayer.” Through prayer we fellowship and abide with the shepherd. Instead of counting sheep when sleep refuses to come, talk to the shepherd. The gods of this world do not have eyes to see or ears to hear or a mouth to speak. The Lord our Shepherd hears before we speak, day and night are alike to Him. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them. (See John 10.) Jesus taught us to pray to our Heavenly Father who hears and answers prayer. (See Matthew 6:7-15.)

Some will not take time to pray. They want a quick fix without trusting in God. But there’s even a “dial-a-prayer” for atheists. You call a number and nobody answers. But your shepherd assures you – “Casting all your cares on Him, because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). Corrie Ten Boom, who knew her shepherd and Lord intimately, was fond of saying “Don’t wrestle, just nestle.”

“Life is fragile – be sure to share.” We only pass through this life once (Hebrews 9:27) and only what’s done for Christ will last. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” There is a joy and closeness to the shepherd when you “share the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

“Life is fragile, you can meet Him over there.” Someone has said that there are two things certain in life – “taxes and death”. But there is good news! You can meet Jesus over there. David declared, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). David not only had the experience of abundant life while he lived but the assurance of eternal life in heaven.

Jesus reminded His followers of that promise, “Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:1-6). One day soon there will be a glad reunion of all those who died in faith and God’s children who are alive when Christ returns to take us home. (See I Thessalonians 4:13-18.)

“Life is fragile – handle with care.” But also handle with prayer. Do you have that assurance of “dwelling in the house of the Lord forever”? You can!

A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

B – Believe in Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

C - Confess and leave your sins. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us form al unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9-10