What a sweet assurance of the Father's loving care is given us in the Twenty-third Psalm. As we read, a sense of calm trustfulness comes in to take the place of doubt and anxiety, and it dawns upon us that our Father is not a harsh, frowning task-master, but a patient, gentle Shepherd, who slumbers not; a Shepherd who will safely guard and tenderly guide each one of His flock. He lovingly tells us that He knows His sheep and that there shall be one fold.
Our beloved Leader, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," page 569, gives us the key which unlocks the treasures of Truth in this message. "Love" is this key. Thinking of Love changes the mental attitude. We rise above material surroundings where all that is real seems enshrouded in the mists of error. As we ascend toward the purer atmosphere, clouds disperse and the Love-light dawns.
"The Lord is my shepherd," and our Lord is divine Love. Just that change of thought brings us closer to our Father. It suggests the tenderness of the tie between God and His children, and we grasp the inspiring thought, that in our despair and weakness and discouragement we may cry to our Shepherd, ever-present Love, and He will hear us and mightily help us. There is no place where His voice is not heard. He says that He is the good Shepherd and a good Shepherd is always ready to take the weak lambs in his arms and does not suffer any to stray.
