“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, For I do not forget Your commandments.” (176)

It’s interesting, and hopeful, to me that the psalmist concludes with this verse. After all this loving His commandments, why does he still stray?

Sheep aren’t maniacal brutes, with big intentions of leaving the sight of their shepherds. They’re just incessant eaters, with their heads down, going from one patch of grass to another. 

This is very relatable. It’s easy to get distracted, carried away, then unexpectedly lost. Loving the Shepherd and His laws doesn’t make you immune. Our gracious king is very aware of this. 

It’s real easy to get down on yourself and shame spiral about “how you should have known better”, but God doesn’t see us that way. He is very familiar with our nature and every inch of our shortcomings; 

“for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭103:14‬)

“He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬)

It is wonderful to know and love God’s law, but all the more glorious to know His grace. Didn’t Jesus come because the Law, itself, could not make us perfect? It makes me want to know Him more, discovering Him more each day in His word.

“May my lips overflow with praise, for You teach me Your decrees.” (171)

-Bethany