I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant. Psalms 119:176. God’s answer. Behold I, even I will both search my sheep and seek them out; I will seek that which was lost, bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. Ezekiel 34:11-16. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arms and carry them in his bosom. Isaiah 40:11.
He that is wise in his own conceit, as many of our philosophers, does not pray like David in this place; therefore he continues, with all his proud wisdom, in his natural errors and foolishness. But as thou hast given me, O thou good Shepherd, to know and understand my lost and helpless condition; and I cannot find or advise myself in any thing. Like a sheep that is gone astray, I beseech thee to seek, heal, lead, feed, carry and strengthen me also, as I stand in need of, and seems good to thee, that I may be able to say with David, ’ The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."
My shepherd, my supply, my need,
Jehovah is his name;
In pastures fresh he makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back,
When I forsake his ways.
And leads me, for his mercies’ sake,
In paths of truth and grace.
The sure provisions of my God,
Attend me all my days;
O may thy house be mine abode,
And all my work be praise.