Help! I've Fallen and I can't get up!

Help! I’ve Fallen and I Can’t Get Up!

“He restoreth my soul…” (Psa. 23:3).

Have you ever heard of a “cast” sheep? It is a term given to a sheep that is lying on the ground, feet in the air and rocking to get to his feet. The sheep that seem to struggle with being cast the most often are those who are fat or those with the most fleece. See, what gets a sheep in this situation is that this heavy sheep will lie down in some depression in the ground, roll on its side and stretch out to relax. If the center of gravity in the body shifts far enough back, it will not be able to put its feet back to the ground. The sense of panic will make matters worse. As the sheep lies there, gases build up in the rumen and with the expansion of the gases; the blood circulation to the legs is cut off. Since not all sheep will even think to bleat in this set of circumstances, and often times it has happened far from the fold out of range of hearing anyway, it is most necessary that a responsible shepherd look over his flock daily to be sure the sheep are all up and on their feet. A cast down sheep will never be a match for vultures, coyotes or cougars.

I cannot help thinking about souls among us who have found themselves in this same place spiritually. You know someone, don’t you? As you read this, did a person’s name come to mind? Is it you? Are you feeling cast down and hopeless? The Word tells us over and over again that the Good Shepherd will never leave us. He will not let us stay there flaying for help long. Be encouraged that He can lift up anyone who has found himself alone, on his back and unable to get up again. He restores souls.

If it is not you, but a sheep in your care, be diligent to watch for him. Mothers and fathers at home, watch for your little lambs. Don’t let them get one inch further from the Lord. Pick them up when they do fall and help them be restored through the power of the Good Shepherd’s love and grace. Pastors and under-shepherds, watch for the souls of the congregation. It is often those that seem to be the healthy, able, strong and even prosperous who find themselves in this horrible state. Do not let the looks deceive you. They may be well on their way to a fall from which they cannot recover.

The aged are not immune. They are as prone to being cast as anyone in your congregation. There are no age restrictions of the young or old when it comes to the spiritual man. There is no personality more prone to falling than another. All your sheep matter. All can be harmed or all can be saved. May the Lord always restore your soul and help you restore another.