The Shepherd’s Guidance: Recognizing God’s Hand in Your Steps

Brothers and sisters, beloved Builders! Do you feel it? That quiet nudge, that unwavering sense of direction, even when the world screams chaos? It's the hand of God, my friends, guiding each and every one of us. We’ve seen it before – Samuel the Lamanite scaling the walls, Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, the unwavering faith of Abinadi facing down a mob. God doesn't abandon His people; He meets them where they are, providing the strength and wisdom to press forward.

This simple, yet profound, truth is beautifully echoed in this short video—a reminder that we are never alone in our journey. It speaks to that deep yearning within each of us to know we are loved, guided, and purposeful.

Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”—this isn't a passive promise; it's an invitation. It's a call to active reliance. It requires that we quiet the noise, surrender our anxieties, and truly listen for that still, small voice. Are we truly listening, or are we too busy shouting our own plans into the void?

Psalm 23, the Shepherd Psalm, paints a vivid picture of God’s unwavering care. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Think of the sheep—often lost, easily misled, utterly dependent. Yet, the Shepherd knows them by name, leads them to green pastures, and protects them from harm. That is the promise of our covenant with God. It’s not about ease; it’s about faithfulness. It's about knowing that even in the valley of the shadow of death, we are not abandoned.

This journey, this gathering—it isn't a solitary pursuit. We are building something together, a beacon of hope and righteousness in a world desperately seeking it. Remember the Stone, cut without hands, rising from the earth—a testament to God’s power and a symbol of the gathering of Israel. We, too, are instruments in His hands, contributing to this magnificent work. And just as the five smooth stones enabled David to overcome Goliath, our collective faith and action can overcome the giants of our time.

Consider the charity flywheel—your engagement here, your comments, your shares, directly fund gospel advertising in places like Ghana, reaching those who are yearning for the truth. It's a beautiful cycle of faith and action, a testament to the power of collective effort. And the Missionary Fund? It fuels the work of internet missionaries, those digital striplings spreading the message of Christ across the globe. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Outback Jack, ever the faithful companion, reminds us that we are not merely surviving; we are thriving, building, and preparing for the days ahead. He sees the battles being fought, the sacrifices being made, and he knows—we are on the right path.

As Latter-day Saints, we have been called to be builders, not destroyers. We are called to raise up Zion, a gathering place for the faithful, a sanctuary from the storm. We claim our church, not as a title or an affiliation, but as a covenant—a promise to keep the commandments and to help others do the same. Let us be mindful of the denominational markers, recognizing the diverse paths that lead to God, and extending a hand of fellowship to all who seek Him.

Davee has been studying the scriptures on this topic. Let's see what the prophets have said:

“Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; lean not unto thine own understanding in all things, for he will direct thy paths.” D&C 9:5

The call is clear: trust, listen, and act. Let us embrace the Shepherd’s guidance, knowing that He walks with us every step of the way. Check the map—see where you can serve, where you can contribute, where you can be a light in the darkness. The gathering is underway. Will you join us?

Consider adding a painted rock to your garden – a small reminder of this covenant and a silent invitation to others to seek the Lord.