We all have a past. We all have made mistakes. We’ve all strayed. It’s no secret to God.
My favorite parable that Jesus tells is this: “…If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it? And then you would joyfully carry it home on your shoulders. When you arrived you would call together your friends and neighbors to rejoice with you because your lost sheep was found. Well, in the same way heaven will be happier over one lost sinner who returns to God than over ninety-nine others who haven’t strayed away!”(Luke 15:3-7)
There have been times when I’ve been lost and so afraid. And felt the wolves encircling me. At times, taking bites out of me. Frightened, afraid and alone, I felt the chill of the shadow of death. I cried out in alarm, and then He was there. My Shepherd. Lifting me upon His shoulders and carrying me home, out of harm’s way, and under His protection.
It is my Shepherd’s love I need. It is His strength and wisdom that I rely upon.
It is my Shepherd’s love that I have. It is His strength that runs through me and His Words that seek to guide me.
It is His voice that I recognize. It is His voice that I seek to follow.
My Shepherd, my Lord, my Savior, my Protector — my Friend.
Image from aleteia.org, May be subject to Copyright
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