Today is Thursday, August 5th, 2010; Karen's Korner #1879

Taken from "Daily Guideposts 1985"; February, Friday 8 installment:
 
 
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
      I look to you for protection.
   I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
      until the danger passes by.
~ Psalm 57:1
 
"I want to tell you about a painting I came across several years ago in an art gallery. If I am in inner turmoil, just the thought of that painting has an instant calming effect on me--and it might help you, too, should you have to face a time of trouble.
 
"The picture is of a shepherd in a boat that is overcrowded with sheep. The surrounding sea is choppy and rough, and a dense fog is closing in. But the expression on the shepherd's face is one of complete serenity, and he rows with a sure and even stroke. The sheep are standing perfectly still, every eye steadily focused on the shepherd. Not one sheep turns to look at the dangerous waters that threaten imminent disaster. If only one of them moves, the boat would surely capsize.

"Yet this is a picture that tells of absolute trust in the midst of the unutterable peril.
 
"I thought the painting was beautiful and I studied it for a long time, but when I went closer and saw the title, I was overwhelmed. I understand the real strength of the shepherd, his drastic action and the trust of the flock. The title of the painting is:
 
"Changing Pastures."
 
 
"Father, when the course of my life seems uncertain
and I come to a turning point,
I will remember that because You love me,
You are merely moving to a safer pasture."
 
~ Marion Bond West
 
**

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