God's Sheep

August 12, 2009

I remember when Joellen was little and we went to Wal-Mart. She was such a little neat freak back then. If something was in the floor or if the shelf was a mess, she would take it upon herself to clean up.

One particular day, we were in a toy aisle. Joellen was busy picking up the toys and arranging them neatly on the shelf. Something caught my eye and my focus was taken away from Joellen. Little Jo toddled off down the aisle and around the corner. I had lost sight of her for a split second. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. I started calling and urgently walking down the aisle. With each footstep my heart pounded. I had lost my baby girl. And just as I was about to really panic, she rounded the corner, holding a doll and saying “Look, Mommy!” I had never been so happy to see my precious baby girl.

Can you imagine how God feels? Like Joellen, we sometimes get distracted and lured away from God. As innocent as it may seem to us, God’s heart sinks nevertheless. He doesn’t want us to be separtated or swept away from Him. And how many times do I do that?? I get distracted with “work” or with life. The more distracted I become the less I pray, study and bond with God. I wander off. I don’t think about how He must feel when I do. I just wander until I have really messed up and I forget the peace that resides with God. Thank God, I do return for a much needed rest and I am sure His heart leaps for joy, just as mine did when I saw Joellen.

Food for thought today:

“My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have led them astray and caused them to roam on the mountains. They wandered over mountain and hill and forgot their own resting place.” Jeremiah 50:6 (NIV)

God Bless
Regina