WEEK 13-BELIEVING IN JESUS AS SHEPHERD
Devotional songs, reflection questions, and key scripture describe Jesus as our faithful shepherd who cares for, leads, and restores those who follow him. May we also learn from his example and shepherd those he has brought into our lives.
Lyrics written by Mark Greenelsh.
Music produced with AI-assisted tools.
73 Every Side
74 Through Fire and Flame
75 Banner of Love
76 Slide Over
77 Always Saving
78 Reflection
Ever Closer Episode 73: Every Side
Jesus is your faithful Shepherd who goes before you, walks beside you, and follows behind you, ensuring that you lack nothing you truly need for abundant life. His loyal love surrounds you like a banner, providing refuge and strength as He guides you through both green pastures and difficult valleys, always working to restore your soul and keep you on the path of righteousness. This week, demonstrate your loyalty to the Good Shepherd by being accountable to His leading, trusting that even when you cannot see Him clearly, He is always present and actively working to save and deliver you according to His perfect timing and purposes.
Here is today’s song:
Every Side
God goes before those who trust him. He is present with them, and follows behind them, just as he did when he enabled ancient Israel to miraculously cross the Jordan River and enter the land he promised them.
(Verse 1)
Like waters parting, a path revealed
God’s mighty hand, our future sealed.
For all who trust, he clears the way
Our provider, both night day.
(Chorus)
God goes before us, walks by our side.
He follows behind, a faithful guide.
Through every season, in joy or pain
He’ll never leave, his love remains.
(Verse 2)
Jesus, our shepherd, leads us on
The door to life, when hope seems gone.
His light illuminates our path.
His truth protects from Satan’s attack.
(Chorus)
God goes before us, walks by our side.
He follows behind, a faithful guide.
Through every season, in joy or pain
He’ll never leave, his love remains.
(Verse 3)
Our daily bread, he will provide.
In his vine our branches thrive.
In suffering, he shares our load
Redeems our pain, opens what’s closed.
(Bridge)
Listen and follow, trust in his plan.
Devote your heart, take hold his hand.
He’s preparing you for what’s to come
As he keeps his promises, one by one.
(Chorus)
God goes before us, walks by our side.
He follows behind, a faithful guide.
Through every season, in joy or pain
He’ll never leave, his love remains.
(Outro)
Walk in his will, surrounded by grace
Resting in him, growing in faith.
Join in his work, transformed each day
More like Jesus, in every way.
Ever Closer Episode 74: Through Fire and Flame
Amidst dark, evil days, God is ever present, faithful, and loving. He will deliver you through fiery trials if you trust him. (Chorus includes a quote from Colonel Alfred Oliver during WWII).
(Verse 1)
Church doors sealed shut, faithful voices silenced still,
Flames consume sacred halls where prayers once filled the air,
Homes ransacked for Bibles hidden under windowsills,
Yet in smoldering ashes, hope refuses to despair.
(Verse 2)
Believers stand accused for nothing but their steadfast faith,
Children torn from parents’ arms for teaching heaven’s ways,
Pastors locked behind cold bars, yet preach with every breath,
While missionaries give their lives on distant, foreign plains.
(Chorus)
Never doubt in darkness what you knew in light was true,
Though shadows now surround you, God’s promise still remains.
His perfect plan unfolds when you cannot see through,
Trust his hand that holds you through the fire and the flame.
(Verse 3)
“They hated me,” said Jesus, “so they will hate you too,”
So take heart in knowing you’re not walking this alone.
This world is not our dwelling place, our home is coming soon,
Where tears and pain and suffering will finally be unknown.
(Verse 4)
Though outwardly we’re wasting as trials wear us down,
Inside we’re being fashioned, renewed with every test.
These temporary troubles forge an everlasting crown,
So fix your gaze on heaven’s realm where weary souls find rest.
(Bridge)
The fire that threatens all you have was permitted from above,
God walks beside you through the flames, teaching, guiding still.
Each burning moment transforms you through his unfailing love,
Igniting holy purpose that your suffering fulfills.
Your trial becomes a beacon that draws the lost to light,
Your steadfast faith in darkness shows his glory shining through.
Your tears water the soil where others’ faith takes flight,
What seems like your destruction builds his kingdom ever new.
(Chorus)
Never doubt in darkness what you knew in light was true,
Though shadows now surround you, God’s promise still remains.
His perfect plan unfolds when you cannot see through,
Trust his hand that holds you through the fire and the flame.
(Verse 5)
When mockery and hatred seem to steal your very breath,
When the world grows hostile to the faith you hold so dear,
Remember Christ’s own promise that transcends even death:
“You shall overcome with me, so cast away your fear.”
(Chorus)
Never doubt in darkness what you knew in light was true,
Though shadows now surround you, God’s promise still remains.
His perfect plan unfolds when you cannot see through,
Trust his hand that holds you through the fire and the flame.
Ever Closer Episode 76: Slide Over
When you let God drive, not only do you reach an awesome destination, but the journey along the way is better, because he alone is what’s best for you.
(Verse 1)
Wind in my hair, top down, I’m free
Master of my own destiny.
Cruising fast, no limits on me
Life’s highway stretches infinitely.
(Verse 2)
Then curves come sharp around the bend
Road twists in ways I can’t defend.
Obstacles jump out, no time to think
Everything changes in a blink.
(Verse 3)
Sometimes I’m stuck in gridlock tight
Red tail lights burning through the night.
Nothing moves, just sitting still here
Progress vanished, disappeared.
(Verse 4)
Frustration builds, my patience worn
Dreams feel distant, hope feels torn.
White-knuckled grip upon the wheel
Can’t control the way I feel.
(Chorus)
Move over, let God drive your way
He knows every mile, night and day.
The journey’s best by his side
Ever better when God’s your guide.
Move over, let him take control
He’ll steer your heart and heal your soul.
(Verse 5)
When I slide to the passenger seat
His grace makes my heart complete.
I confess my wrongs, find mercy true
Peace fills my empty tank anew.
(Verse 6)
He gives me courage when roads get rough
Wisdom when the path gets tough
Strength to face each mountain high
New perspective through his eyes.
(Bridge)
Faith means trusting where he leads.
His vision meets your deepest needs.
Through his windshield, skies are clear.
Perfect love casts out all fear.
Let him navigate your life
Through the joy and through the strife.
(Verse 7)
Now I see his beauty everywhere
Grateful for this love we share.
Hope shines bright through every storm
In his hands, my heart transforms.
(Chorus)
Move over, let God drive your way
He knows every mile, night and day.
The journey’s best by his side
Ever better when God’s your guide.
Move over, let him take control
He’ll steer your heart and heal your soul.
(Outro)
Move over, let God drive each day.
He’s got the map, he knows the way.
Always better when God’s your guide
Windows down, savor the ride.
Move over, let him take control.
He’ll steer your heart and heal your soul.
Ever Closer Episode 77: Always Saving
I’ve included a bonus song for this week, like I did last week. The first song declares how God works in unseen ways to save and deliver. The second song shows how God is also a rock. He is a refuge and shield who protects and delivers those who seek him, just as a good shepherd does.
Song 1: Always Saving
Jesus is always present with those who follow him although at times he waits to reveal himself in order to strengthen their faith. We see this truth at work when Jesus walked on water to join his disciples during a storm (Matthew 14:22-33).
(Verse 1)
On distant shores, he bends his knee
Interceding for his disciples at sea.
Though waves may crash and winds may roar
His presence guards them, evermore.
(Chorus)
Jesus is always here
Though sometimes hidden from our sight.
He waits to reveal his face
To strengthen those who trust by faith.
(Verse 2)
Upon the waters, he treads with grace
Loving commander of time and space.
In storm and tempest, he draws near
His voice dispelling every fear.
(Chorus)
Jesus is always here
Though sometimes hidden from our sight.
He waits to reveal his face
To strengthen those who trust by faith.
(Verse 3)
Peter steps out, drawn to his Lord
Walking on water, faith taking form.
But fear casts doubt, he starts to fall.
Christ grasps his hand, heeding his call.
(Bridge)
No matter the trials you face today
God’s saving work is on display.
Trust and obey, he’ll see you through
Jesus is always saving you.
(Verse 4)
In the boat now, windstorm ceases
God’s peace descends, as fear assuages.
From worry to worship, their hearts take flight
For God’s own Son conquers their night.
(Chorus)
Jesus is always here
Though sometimes hidden from our sight.
He waits to reveal his face
To strengthen those who trust by faith.
—
And now for the bonus song:
My Rock
God is a refuge, a shield, and a rock who protects and delivers all who seek him. (Inspired by Psalm 18:1-3.)
(Verse 1)
In stormy seas, You’re my lighthouse.
In darkest night, You’re my flame.
When I’m lost and weary
You call out my name.
(Chorus)
God, You are my rock
Solid ground beneath my feet.
God, You are my rock
My refuge, strong and sweet.
I’ll praise Your name forever
For You’ve set me free.
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.
(Verse 2)
In battle’s rage, You’re my fortress.
In danger’s path, You’re my shield.
When enemies surround me
Your strength is revealed.
(Chorus)
God, You are my rock
Solid ground beneath my feet.
God, You are my rock
My refuge, strong and sweet.
I’ll praise Your name forever
For You’ve set me free.
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.
(Bridge)
My deliverer, my salvation
My stronghold when I’m afraid
I cry out to You, Lord
And You come to my aid.
(Chorus)
God, You are my rock
Solid ground beneath my feet.
God, You are my rock
My refuge, strong and sweet.
I’ll praise Your name forever
For You’ve set me free.
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.
(Outro)
God, You are my rock
My rock for eternity.
Ever Closer Episode 78: Reflection for Week 13
Jesus is our faithful shepherd. His example shows us and enables us to be faithful and loyal in guiding and loving those he has brought into our lives.
Our scripture focus this week is Psalm 23:1-3:
“Yahweh (the Lord) is my shepherd. I shall not be in want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Here are three questions to consider.
1. Psalm 23 describes the Lord as a shepherd who provides, leads, and restores. In what specific area of your life do you most need His shepherding guidance right now, so you can be a better shepherd to others with his help?
2. The song “My Rock” describes God as a refuge, shield, and rock who protects all who seek Him. What specific practices help you seek Him as your primary source of protection and direction in a dark, fallen world of broken people?
3. “Banner of Love” portrays Jesus as our promise of salvation who bears God’s judgment for all who trust Him. Who supports you, to remain loyal to Jesus’ sacrificial love rather than turning to lesser loves that promise satisfaction, but ultimately disappoint?