There is always a reason to hope.

Recently, Dave spent the night patrolling the pasture for predators. This spring, we lost five sheep to predator attacks. We’ve grieved each loss immensely. We’ve triple-secured our fences, ensured the donkey is on alert and locked the sheep up at night.

We have cried and have hard conversations with our kids. We’ve held them as they cried. Yes, I know this is part of farm life but it’s the one aspect I absolutely hate.

I’ve debating sharing any of this. I’ve held it close because it has been too tender. These animals are gentle and helpless and well loved here on our farm. To lose even one is devastating.

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While so much is happening in our world and our nation, I also worry that sharing this now will seem trite. Yet, I feel compelled to do so because God has used these sheep to instill spiritual lessons many times over the years and now this painful experience is serving as a reminder of Truths that cannot be ignored, particularly in this dark time.

What I’ve learned through these losses:

1. We have a very real enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Like the pack of coyotes patrolling our pasture, the enemy is vicious and constantly on the prowl. He will find our weakness (like the coyotes will find a weak spot in the fence and they will attack at night when we are asleep) and use it to his advantage. Like in our pasture, he is relentless and will even jump a well-secured fence to attack. We can’t rely on our strong fence or even our guard animals. In spiritual terms: we cannot become complacent. 
2. The enemy thrives on division. Unity is a defense against his attacks. I can do a quick google search and find over 100 verses appealing to believers to seek unity. What I’ve learned from the attacks in our pasture is that the predators attempt to divide the flock in order to take down individual sheep. In spiritual terms: we absolutely need one another. 
3. We have a good Shepherd. Our God watches over us and He never sleeps or slumbers.  In his humanity, Dave had trouble staying awake while watching over the pasture waiting for the predators to return. He woke when he heard the sheep running along the fence and jumped up to figure out what had been attacking. That’s when he saw them – a pack of large coyotes. They were startled by his movement and ran off. The sheep were safe yet the threat remained. In spiritual terms: the threat remains, even if we can’t physically see the enemy. Even still, our Shepherd has the equivalent of night vision goggles and will stand on patrol and will act as our guard to keep us safe.

With our world feeling dark and uncertain; and hatred and division and evil seem more prevalent than ever, I find myself pleading with God for peace and joy and justice. I’m reminded that this earth is not our home: it is a broken place filled with broken people. While I’m tempted to throw in the towel on hope, I know that is not the answer. We are image bearers of a good God and we are called to bring forth His Kingdom here on earth.

I can’t fall into despair when I keep my eyes focused on the reminders of His goodness around me. While I mourn so much tragedy happening in the world, I also celebrate life with birthday cake and singing. While I pray for peace, I note the first hydrangea blooms of the season. While I fight off fear, I watch the sheep graze in the pasture without fear of the future despite the attacks of the past.

In spiritual terms: there is always a reason to hope. Because, in the end, love will win. While we await that day, we can steadfastly cling to hope, boldly stand on the side of righteousness and relentlessly love our neighbors.

“The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. ” – Isaiah 40:8