Here is the scary part of the down cast sheep we talked about yesterday. If the cast sheep are not placed back unto their feet, the sheep will literally die. While we might not physically die, although we might get ourselves into enough trouble that it can be life-threatening, our lives will certainly feel dead as we allow those “death symptoms” to come upon us. We will lose the joy of life in Christ, when we turn from Him and become downcast.
I am sure you’ve all heard the term, kick them when they are down. Well, guess who loves it when we become downcast! Mr Keller says, “It is not only the shepherd who keeps a sharp eye for cast sheep, but also the predators.” (p71) Of course, we have a real enemy that waits for us to begin getting down before he pounces on us, further spiraling us down into the darkness of our soul. By God’s Grace though, we can lift our eyes to Him at any moment and He will lift us up.
Sadly, too many sincere believers, think that God becomes mad at us when we get downcast. If we get depressed or if we fall back into some addictive sin, instead of running to our Good Shepherd who wants to restore us, we sit pathetically in our darkness, and we begin to die inside. We get caught in that downward spiral of depression and anxiety and think, “What’s the use?” So we continue the sinful thoughts or habit and our world just gets darker and darker. My Friends, Jesus is our only cure for this ailment. Like David, we must learn to let our growing spirit speak to our immature soul. In this way, we connect with the Holy Spirit and remind ourselves of all that God has promised in the Bible. Wonderful things like, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” Or how about “cast all your cares on Me.” Or even “My Grace is sufficient,” and so on I can go. We tell ourselves that we are not alone, that God is real and really loves us, then His Truth, His Word, His Love will set us back on our feet, drawing us out from the pit back to the light, so we may move forward with peace and joy. This is how God restores our soul. He moves us from that old place of darkness to His Light.
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
