Shepherds keep a keen eye on their flocks because sheep easily wander away. A wandering sheep will lie down in a distant meadow, roll over on its back, and not be able to get up. This is called a “cast” sheep, which becomes easy prey for predators.

Then, time is of the essence for the shepherd to find his sheep, restore the animal to an upright position, and return it safely to the flock. A cast down sheep that is restored by its caring shepherd is the picture behind the phrase “He restores my soul” in Psalm 23.

A lift up is exactly what a cast down sheep needs. “Why are you cast down, O my soul,” wrote the psalmist (Psalm 42:11). Do you need a lift up today?

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“Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Romans 8:28 MSG