My daughter texted me a viral video earlier this week of a sheep jumping right back into a ditch after being rescued.

Seeing that careless sheep hopelessly stuck by repeating the same mistake made think of the first part of Isaiah 53:6. “All we like sheep have gone astray...” (NIV)

I’m thankful for the hope in 1 Peter 2:25, which says, “For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (NIV)

The Scripture and declaration for today’s episode of the Believe & Speak podcast celebrates the fact that God hears our cries when we find ourselves trapped in a ditch.

No wonder David wrote in Psalm 28:7, “My heart leaps for joy.” Even if we leap straight back into the pit that our Savior just lifted us out of, we can count on God to hear our cries for mercy, to be our strength and shield, to save us and bless us.

We have a shepherd worthy of our praise. How thankful I am that Jesus is attentive enough to hear my cries, loving enough to lift me up, and strong enough to carry me forever.

 

10-Day Reading Plan

http://bible.us/r/6Ra

Longing to Belong: Discovering the Joy of Acceptance is now available for purchase on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Booksamillion.com and Christianbook.com. It’s also available for download to your Kindle or from the Apple store for your iBooks app. Or visit my website to purchase a copy at shawnamariebryant.com

This week's scripture: Psalm 28:6-9