Are you a sheep?

I read this the other night for my devotions. I really liked it and I thought I'd share it with you. It's from "Soul Journey 365 Days of Spiritual Inspiration". I must admit that it's the first devotional I've actually used for the complete year. Usually I get bored or don't like the one I use so I'm constantly switching, but I bought this one at the beginning of the year and now I only have 11 more days left! Anyway....here it is....

Cast-down Sheep
Phillip Keller, in his classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, gives a striking picture of the care and gentleness of the shepherd. When David said, "He restores my soul," he chose language that every shepherd would understand. A sheep is built in such a way, that if it falls over on its back, it is very difficult for it to get up again. In this position, it flails its legs in the air, bleats, and cries. After a few hours on it's back gas begins to collect in its stomach, the stomcah hardens, which cuts off the air passage, and the sheep suffocates. This position is called a cast-down position. A cast-down sheep needs a loving shepherd to restore it.
To restore a cast-down sheep takes time. The first thing the shepherd does is massage its four legs to restore circulation. Then while calmly reassuring the sheep with his voice, he gently turns it over, puts his hand under the sheep's belly, lifts it up, and holds it so it can gain its equilibruim. When the shepherd feels that the sheep can stand on its own, he lets the sheep go and watches it take a few faltering steps. He has restored a cast-down sheep.
What a picture of what God does for us! When we are on our back, flailing because of guilt, grief, and grudges, our loving Shepherd reassures us with His words. With His tender hands He lifts us and carries us until we've gained spiritual equilibrium.
Jesus wants to restore your soul. Let Him remove your guilt, reliever your grief, and replace your grudges. If you've been "cast down" for any reason, He's the only one who can help you get on your feet again. he is your confidence, joy, peace, and strength.

Scripture: Psalm 23
Meditate: Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters.
Destination Points: What has caused me to be in a cast-down position? How will I trust the Shepherd to restore my soul?
Bottom line: Like a shepherd, Jesus leads us.