Sheep wander. And God’s Word says that even His redeemed people are like sheep (Psa 100:3). Our wandering can carry on for weeks, months, or even years before we realize just how far away we are from the Lord. Some of us get into the far country faster than others. But many steps, many wrong steps, have to be taken to get there. Thankfully, the way back doesn’t have to take as long. Why? Because the Good Shepherd is out there searching for His lost sheep, ready to bring them home. Admittedly, there needs to be cooperation with the Shepherd; we must stop our straying, listen to His voice and return to Him. After all, God wants wanderers to become worshippers again.
Perhaps all of us have had to say more than once in our lives, with both humility and joy, “He restores my soul.” The experience of the restoring work of God is powerful, loving, and usually involves five looks. First, we must look around, like the Prodigal Son did, who faced the hard facts about his condition – he was famished, filthy, forsaken and feeding pigs. Look around. Am I enjoying fellowship with God and His people? Is God’s Word my daily diet and delight? Do I have joy and peace in my soul? If not, I have strayed from my Shepherd.
Second, we must look back. Although the Lord doesn’t want us to dwell on the past, we must see and admit the truth about our sin and waywardness so as not to repeat it. An honest look back is the only pathway for a healthy step forward. God restores honest hearts, not dismissive ones. He promises to “revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isa 57:15 KJV).
Third, a look away is essential. The devil places his list of lies front and center. There’s no way back. We’ve run too far. We’ve sinned too much or too severely. We’ve hurt too many people, especially the ones who love us most. Look away from his lies and immerse yourself in truth. God’s Word says there is forgiveness for every sin (1Jn 1:9) and a way back for every wanderer (Psa 51:12; Gal 6:1).
The most important look is a look up. Like the Prodigal Son, we need to realize that our sin is first “against heaven” and confess it openly before the Lord. And it’s not enough to admit our sin; we must abandon it (Pro 28:13; Isa 55:7) to be restored to full fellowship with God.
Finally, having looked in these other directions, we can look ahead. We can take that first step forward, trusting that the Lord will give us the strength to do so. The Prodigal not only resolved, “I will arise and go,” but he actually went. He took that hard first step, knowing he would have to face his father and family again. And when we do, the One who restores us will lead the way to “paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psa 23:3). Scripture can become sweet again. Prayer can become precious again. Even relationships, in time, can be healthy again. For our God specializes not only in rescuing lost sinners but in restoring saved ones! Praise His glorious name!
