Psalm 119:176: I have gone astray like a lost sheep; Seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
Here he sums up, not only his past, but even his present life, under the image of a sheep which has broken from its pasture, forsaken the flock, left the shepherd, and brought itself into the wild wilderness, where it has become as a lost thing. The sheep bleats, and David prays, Seek thy servant. His argument is a forcible one—for I do not forget thy commandments. I have a home-sickness after my God, I pine after the ways of peace; I cannot forget thy commandments, nor cease to know that I am always happiest and safest when I obey them and find all my joy in doing so. 1
Living the Transformed Life
All we like sheep have gone astray. Isaiah 53:6
- My Shepherd rejoices when my wayward heart repents.
Luke 15:7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
- My Shepherd rejoices when I am humbled in heart, yielding to His Lordship.
John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.
- My Shepherd rejoices when my heart is completely content in Him.
1 Peter 2:25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
When the Lord is my Shepherd, my soul is at rest.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for seeking me, and finding me, and restoring me. Dear Jesus, please forgive my wandering heart. I am sorry.
1. PACKER, J. I. (1993). Introduction. In Psalms (p. 251). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.