You Leave Everything And Seek Me

Good Father, good morning. I come before You with Your Word in my heart, thinking of that one sheep that was lost. Thank you for teaching me that You care not only for the great flock, but for each one individually, for every little one.

So often, I am that sheep, Lord. I stray from the path, not because I want to leave You, but because other ways entice me, because I become confused, grow weary, and simply get lost in the dense thicket of my worries and doubts. I become exhausted and forlorn.

And when You look at me, when You see my exhaustion and loneliness, You have compassion on me. You do not condemn me, but You feel with me; Your heart is moved by my distress.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36)

You are that shepherd, Jesus. You are the one who does not hesitate, but leaves all else to come and find me—the one, the lost one. Your love is so great that You are prepared to give everything for my sake.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

Your love is not passive, Lord. You promise to actively seek me, to bring me back, to heal the wounds I received while wandering, and to strengthen me when I am weak.

“I will search for the lost and bring back the strayed. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, and the strong and well-fed I will guard; I will shepherd them with justice.” (Ezekiel 34:16)

And when You find me! What joy! Not anger, not reproach, but pure, immeasurable joy. You lift me onto Your shoulders, because You know I cannot make it back on my own. Your gladness is greater than all else.

“And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders.” (Luke 15:5)

All this, Lord, because it is not the will of the heavenly Father that any of us little ones should be lost. His patience with me and with all is infinite, for He desires that all should return to Him.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Your promise extends to all nations, to all the scattered and the lost. You are the one who gathers us and keeps us under Your watchful eye.

“Hear the word of the Lord, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.’” (Jeremiah 31:10)

Once I am in Your arms, in Your flock, I am safe. I ask You, help me to stay close to You today. Grant me the grace of a watchful heart, so that I do not wander from Your path again, seeking safety where there is none.

Your Word gives me the most beautiful assurance that no one and nothing can snatch me from Your hand once You have found me and hold me close.