“Like sheep that get lost nibbling away at the grass because they never look up, we often focus so much on ourselves and our problems that we get lost.” – Allen Klein

“I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.” – Psalm 119:176 NLT

When I first moved to Utah, I spent a lot of time hiking.  I will never forget the beautiful summer day spent hiking at the western end of the Virgin River Rim Trail near Cascade Falls.  I was about an hour into the trail when suddenly, two lost sheep jumped out from behind some dense brush scaring me half to death!

During the summer months, sheep graze in open range at the higher elevations – accompanied by a sheep rancher or shepherd – generally tending a large flock.  These guys were all alone and lost – far from any range that would be considered good grazing territory.

At first, I think I scared them as much as they scared me 😊 As I stood still, they seemed to calm down, but quickly began to “bah, bah, bah” as if they were trying to explain how they ended up in such a place as this. 

I chuckled inside.  As one babbled, the other would start in themselves.  As one would interrupt, the other would stop and listen to their partner.  It was as if two very excited individuals were telling you an adventurous tale – one trying to jump in and add details they felt the other had left out.  Maybe one was blaming the other one for getting lost and vice versa.

When I started to talk back, asking them how they got so lost, (I just felt compelled to answer them!), they got nervous and jumpy.  They knew my voice wasn’t that of their shepherd, so they began to briskly move away from me – heading east down the mountain.  They were kind enough to pose for the picture I attached to this article before they rushed off into the brush again.  I knew if they couldn’t find their way back to the shepherd and flock by nightfall, they would certainly fall prey to a bear, mountain lion, or bobcat.  I said a little prayer as I headed on my way – hoping the shepherd was out looking for them, or they could miraculously be reunited with their flock again.

The Bible draws an analogous relationship between humans and sheep.  That day, one verse came particularly to mind:

 “But when Jesus saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”  – Matthew 9:36

I could relate to the lost sheep of Cedar Mountain that day – connecting with days I felt weary or scattered – feeling lost and in need of guidance. 

There are days when I get so bogged down in my daily routine.  I often wonder if I’m heading in the right direction for my life or if I’m wasting my time – heading off-course, in the opposite direction I should be going.  At times, I question if God knows how lost I feel.

I see people I love dearly who are lost.  Some of them don’t realize it, but they are acting and behaving in a way that has scattered them from their true purpose.  They are so lost – having no true sense of who they are anymore.   

How about you?  Has life caused you to become weary lately?  Do you feel lost in the day-to-day routines you face – feeling like there must be more to your life then what you’re experiencing right now?  Have you lost your sense of direction?

Has sickness, a broken relationship, or shattered dreams caused you to scatter away from others?   Maybe you are praying for a loved one who has lost their way due to drugs, addictions, or other hardships.  Are you feeling lost at work or school – wondering if the choices you’ve made are the right ones?

The Bible gives us another analogous relationship – one of Christ as a Good Shepherd.

“I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own.  As the Father knows me, even so I know the Father; and I lay my life down for the sheep.  And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one Shepherd.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:14-16 and 27

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which is lost. What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?  And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.”   – Matthew 11-13

Take comfort in these verses today.  Remember that our Lord knows us intimately.  Open up your heart, listening for Him in your spirit.  You will know His voice when you hear it!  The sheep on Cedar Mountain, once they heard my voice, knew instinctively that I wasn’t their shepherd.  If you’re feeling lost and weary, look and listen for the Good Shepherd who is ready and willing to guide you!

If a loved one has lost their way and you are worried and frightened for them, know that our Shepherd is actively calling out – seeking to bring them close.  Just as it clearly states in the verse above, every single sheep has tremendous value to Him!

The 23^rd Psalm is one of the most well recognized, recited Bible passages of all times.  It reminds us of our relationship with the Good Shepherd.  The next time you open your Bible, take a moment to re-read or recite this wonderful scripture.  Thank God for leading us toward green pastures, still waters, and for restoring our soul when we feel weary and scattered.

“The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.” – Psalm 23:1 NAB

“He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart.”  – Isaiah 40:11 NIV

God bless!