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Psalm 119:169-176
ת Taw

May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

Jesus once told a parable about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. After making his daily count he discovered that one was missing. He left the ninety-nine and went after the lost sheep. When he found it he called his friends and neighbors and said, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” Jesus said that the same rejoicing occurs in heaven when one sinner repents.

Today’s psalm reminds us that sometimes we are that lost sheep. The Good Shepherd will always come searching. He will never give up on us. He will find us and bring us back home. He gives us instructions so we will stay close to Him.

That instruction is His Word, His love letter to us. The psalmist says, “your law gives me delight,” “may your laws sustain me,” and “I have not forgotten your commands.” There is a way we can keep from straying—by living according to God’s Word. The Good Shepherd provides his Good Word to keep us by His side.

Father, give me a hunger to desire Your Word. I will always stray when I neglect Your instruction. Help me stay close to You. Sustain me with Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.