DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Like a Lost Sheep
by Beth Voltmann
When was the last time you poured your heart out to the Lord? The Psalms are such a beautiful example of how we can and should reveal our every need, hope, desire, fear and even failure to God. He is merciful and loving and his ear is carefully tuned to listen to us, for we are his handiwork.
In today’s verses from Psalm 119, the psalmist cries out for understanding, deliverance, worship, and help. His heart of commitment longs for the LORD’s salvation, and yet, his contrite heart confesses,
"I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands." (Psalm 119:176)
We often picture “lost sheep” as those who do not yet believe in Jesus and usually don’t even realize how lost they are. Here, though, the psalmist presents the realization that even a person of faith can stray. Our hearts desire to be obedient but have sheepish tendencies to wander.
Through the prophet Isaiah, God told us,
“We all like sheep, have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to our own way;” (Isaiah 53:6a)
I know I have strayed in my life of faith. Though it may seem small, my mind often wanders in the morning while trying to study God’s Word, or I fall asleep at night while praying! Can you relate? Those are the moments when we need to confess and return to the Lord.
More significantly, I experienced what some call a “dark night of the soul” many years ago. In the midst of a very busy season of life, a persistent winter virus sapped my physical and emotional strength until I was truly lost. I believed God was real, but for weeks I mockingly told him how ridiculous it was to read his Word or tell others of Jesus... (all this while trying to maintain a façade of faith with our four children).
Though my cry was feeble, God came and rescued me. Healing Scripture, offered by a friend at the perfect time, pulled me up and out of that darkness. Praise be to our Good Shepherd who was sent to seek and save the lost. In those times when you sense you are a long way off, cry out to the Lord. Don’t be silent.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that you seek us when lost, hear our call, and rescue us.
“Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” Psalm (of David) 28:9
