Paths.

“He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name.” -Psalm 23:3 (VOICE)

Sheep are funny creatures. I shared a few characteristics of sheep in an earlier post but let me share a few more in this one. See if you see yourself in any of these. They are easily influenced by their leader. If one runs off, the rest will follow, even if it leads to their demise. They are extremely cautious and, oftentimes fearful. They have little to no means of self defense. They are perverse and stubborn, insisting on their own way even to the point of eating poisonous plants. “Hey, if it tastes good, leave me alone.” They are easily spooked and, if flipped over, cannot get themselves back on their feet. Seriously. Did you even know this? True story. If a sheep lands on its back, it’s a goner (What do you call it when a sheep and turtle collide and flip over? A bad day.).

The more you learn about sheep, the more you see how we really are no different. And this is why I continue to love the words of Psalm 23. Stop and reflect with me for just a moment on verse 3. Look at the VOICE translation. “He makes me whole again, steering me off worn, hard paths to roads where truth and righteousness echo His name”.

The simple truth is that sheep cannot survive without a shepherds guidance. The more I look at the characteristics of the sheep, the more I see myself in their actions. And, I am guessing, I am not alone? But, here’s the good news. Us sheep? We have great company. ALL throughout the scriptures are stories of sheep that forgot they could be guided by the Great Shepherd. King David chose to eat from desire that led to murder and lies. Our friend Jonah chose to defiantly wander into the WRONG places against the Shepherds better paths and instructions. Here’s what I love about these examples we see in scriptures. They were never left to figure it out on their own. With King David? Though he got himself in a mess (and God did certainly not take away the consequences of his actions) God didn’t love David any less. Jonah, even through acts of disobedience, God still used him for His glory.

Here’s where you and I come in. Ready? Where do you find yourself today? Maybe you are standing on a rocky path that looked great a few weeks ago, but today, you are miserable. Maybe you thought you could handle this on your own but you are broken and realize you are in need of the Great Shepherd. Can I encourage you? Can I remind you that God does not take joy in seeing His sheep desperate, lost and in need? He wants to make you whole again. He wants to lead you back into the paths of righteousness so that He can be given the glory in the midst of it.

Here’s what I know. God loves you. As we move through this Holy week leading to Easter Sunday, slow down. Take the journey with Christ. He died so that we might live. There is power in the cross and the act of salvation that comes as a result of that sacrifice. Wherever you find yourself in this moment, I pray that the Psalmists words brings you comfort. Because the truth is that God does not desire to see you broken. God desires to make you whole again.

Let the Shepherd do the work. You just follow His lead.