Scripture: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21
Observation: Isaiah is writing during the Babylonian exile to those in captivity. He is reminding them of the promises of God and providing comfort during a very difficult time in Israel’s history. Throughout the book, Isaiah writes about sin and its judgment, the holiness of God, and the promise of a coming Messiah.
Application: I remember attempting to walk through a corn maze with my grandson one year during a visit to his home. I thought, “I can do this!” After 30 minutes or so I would have given anything for someone to come and take me by the hand and lead me out. Even when we passed a familiar stalk (or so I thought), we was still hopelessly lost. Finally, we made an illegal move… we veered off the path and cut through the stalks to the edge of the field. I was never so glad to be out of that maze!
Life is often like that when I take the lead, choosing to forge on ahead without seeking God’s guidance. It is hard to admit that even when I know the Holy Spirit is whispering to my heart about which direction to go, I stubbornly think, “I can do this!” Then, before I know it, I am hopelessly lost in a situation that is way beyond my control. My only recourse is to cry out to God for rescue!
One thing that is so difficult to understand is that I KNOW God’s ways are best, yet I still choose to veer off His path and venture out on my own, frequently discovering that my plan does not lead to what I had hoped it would. Being lost is a frightening realization.
I am reminded of the wandering sheep in Luke 15. It ambled off, became lost in the hills, and in its despair and fright, cried out for the Shepherd, who came to the rescue. As my Shepherd, Jesus watches over me, and when I meander off on my own into sinful situations, He comes for me the moment I cry out for His help. He He is quick to forgive, rebuild the broken relationship, and restore the sweet fellowship from which I walked away.
It is wise to let Jesus lead us along His straight and narrow paths of righteousness. That is where we are safe, cared for, and nurtured. Let’s make 2026, the year of letting God lead by staying close to Jesus, the Shepherd of our souls.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, keep me close to You all the time. When I stray, bring me back into Your fold by Your sweet mercy and grace. Thank You for always being faithful to protect and care for me. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
Savior, like a shepherd lead us, much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, for our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine, do Thou befriend us, be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us, seek us when we go astray:
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, hear, O hear us when we pray.
(from “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” by Dorothy Thrupp & Henry Lyte)
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“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” – John 10:27