Scripture for Today: Psalm 119:176 “I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek Your servant for I have not forgotten Your commands.”

This sheep looks a bit lost.  His companions are no where in sight and it looks as if he has completely lost his bearings.  Thankfully, he does not seem to be in any apparent danger.  He is not stuck in thorns or falling off a cliff, yet.  I can imagine that this sheep strayed because he did not follow the commands of the shepherd.  But even knowing he is lost does not solve his problem.  He needs to be sought out by his shepherd.

Today’s verse is the last verse of the longest psalm. The author, even though he has tremendous love and respect for God’s commands, still has a problem always following them.  After so many verses extolling and exalting God’s precepts, he ends with a cry for help.  He confesses his weakness and closes with a heartfelt prayer.

Seeing this verse reassures me.  The author is made of the same stuff I am.  I wondered if he was “super spiritual” to love and exalt God’s Law so much.  But in fact, like Paul, even knowing what is right to do does not mean we do it! (Romans 7:18-21)  We all stray from what is right.

Our Shepherd always seeks us out.  He will even leave the other ninety-nine to go out after the one who strays.  He keeps searching until that lost one is brought back! (Luke 15:4)  Christ’s whole purpose in coming to earth was to seek and save the lost! (Luke 19:10)  But to be found I need to realize that I am lost.  When I cry out for help, He is faithful to bring me back to His waiting arms.

Thank you Lord, for finding this lost sheep!

Look familiar?  This is a summer re-post due to ministry schedule.