Psalm 95 Jeremiah 23:1–8 Romans 8:28–39 John 6:52–59
. . . for he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
–Psalm 95:7
Shortly after Easter last year, I lost my job. It wasn’t the result of anything I could control—simply the result of a rough economy and my being a somewhat new hire.
Initially I was angry, but after a few days realized I’d go crazy if I kept it up. So I resolved to get busy and stay busy. I finally put that gym membership to good use. I turned my back patio into a garden. I fixed things and read books. And I prayed—a lot more than I had been.
After a couple of months, I had found a new job, but I had also rediscovered my relationship with God. My new job introduced me to new challenges and great people, but during that time I was reintroduced to Him.
Today’s readings remind me that God is our protector, our Father, the one who will always look out for us. I didn’t know I needed time off last summer, but God did. And now I am truly blessed this Lent for His gifts of time, perspective, and a new opportunity.
I am indeed a part of the flock under His care.

–Ben Siegrist