Prone to Wander

“Bind my wandering heart to thee.” Written almost 300 years ago, these words were part of a famous hymn titled Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing. For you, maybe this hymn feels more like a prayer. If your heart feels prone to wandering, there is hope. Here are a few reminders about the character of the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

1) The Good Shepherd Knows You Personally

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” - John 10:14-15

In his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller distinguishes between an uncaring shepherd and a faithful one. He says, “The owner who delights in His flock, for Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well-fed, safe and flourishing under His care. This is indeed His very 'life.' He gives all He has to it. He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.” 

Maybe you let someone guide your life who let you down—they turned out to be an uncaring shepherd. Jesus is different. He knows and loves you personally. He calls you by name and takes delight in caring for you. 

Pause for Reflection: Have you ever been let down by someone who was supposed to guide you faithfully? Are you letting that experience hinder you from fully trusting Jesus, The Good Shepherd? 

2) The Good Shepherd Leads You Faithfully

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” - John 10:27-28

Sheep tend to wander off and get lost, and as believers, we tend to do the same thing. As Isaiah 53:6 says, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” When sheep go astray, they are in danger of getting lost, being attacked, and even killing themselves by drowning or falling off cliffs. So, when God gives us direction for our lives, it’s for our protection—He has our best interest in mind. When we follow His leadership, we can trust that He is faithful, loyal, and trustworthy. 

Pause for Reflection: Think of a time in your life when you decided to go your own way. How did that end up for you? What helps you remember that God’s way is the best way? 

3) The Good Shepherd Died for You Willingly

“The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” - John 10:17-18

A selfish Shepherd shows little concern for the condition of his flock. He doesn’t care if they are unsatisfied. But the Good Shepherd, Jesus, cares about your needs and wants you to be spiritually satisfied. He has an abundant life for you—He laid down His life on the cross so you can experience it. John 15:13 tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That is what Jesus did for us. 

Pause for Reflection: How does Jesus’ sacrificial love change the way you view Him as your Shepherd? Take a minute to say a prayer for thanksgiving for His faithful love and leading in your life.

For more Who Is This Man? Series resources, click here.