If you are keeping track, we are on chapter 5 today, called “He Restores My Soul.” Don’t we all need that?! Mr Keller reminds us that, while David understands what it is like to be a shepherd, he is writing this Psalm from the viewpoint of being one of God’s sheep. “It is essentially a Christian’s claim of belonging in the family of God. As such he boasts of the benefits of such a relationship.” (p69) Then the author basically asks why then would we need to be restored if we are with the Good Shepherd, reaping His benefits? Well, the truth is David knew, all too well, that sometimes we stray away from the Shepherd and get ourselves into messes. On these occasions, the Good News is that God seeks, desires and works to restore us.
David also penned Ps 42 where he cried out, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God…” (Ps 42:11) Mr Keller goes on to explain what a “cast” or “cast down” sheep is all about. As we pay attention to his description, I cannot help but think of myself in similar situations, listen: “This is an old English shepherd’s term for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. A cast sheep is a very pathetic site. Lying on its back, it’s feet in the air, it flays away frantically struggling to stand up, without success. Sometimes it will bleat a little for help, but generally it lies there lashing out in frightened frustration.” (p70) Yikes! You ever been there? Lord knows I have way too often! We get stuck in a wrong mentality or fall back down into some old sinful habit, and we just cannot seem to move out of it. We become downcast. But praise God, He is ever vigilant to reach out to us and set us back on our feet.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
<>< Peace, Diane
