Lost and Found

Today’s Musing is from Margaret Fowler.

“… Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.”
—Luke 15:6b NIV

We recently moved from Maine to New Hampshire. It’s a simple statement, but not as simple as it sounds. We had reached the point in our old age when we could not keep up a big garden and a big house. We heard of a place for sale across the road from our daughter Bethany. It was a sign from heaven! So, we sold our home and began the packing process.

“Packing” is a simple word but a big job, especially when you are almost 90 years old. We happily moved into this lovely home, all on one floor for easier living, and now the job of “unpacking” began—and that is where the “lost and found” began! So many things lost. So hard trying to find them once again.

Our conversations went like this: “I have lost my _____. Where is it?” “I don’t know.” I can’t find my _____. Where is it? It’s important.” “Well, go and look in the boxes.” (About forty boxes were piled in the basement.)

So we lost things and then came the joy of finding them. “Yay. I found the books I wanted.” “Here are my special photos.” “I found my winter clothes.” (Just in time, it was almost December by then.)

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, we find stories of lost and found—a sheep, a coin, and a son who left his home and family. Let’s take a look at the first one, the sheep. It is a touching story about a shepherd who went out to find one little lost sheep who had strayed away. The shepherd searched and found him, then gently carried him home, a beautiful picture of love and tenderness.

I love the thought of resting in Jesus’ arms, safe and secure like that lost sheep. Sometimes, we stray and wander away, but always remember Jesus loves us. He will find us and carry us home. I have written before about holding our Father’s hand. Even better, what a joy to think of Jesus holding us in his arms. We may feel lost, but He will find us.

Have you ever felt lost or know someone who feels lost? Remind yourself, remind your friend: Jesus loves us. In Psalm 119, we read, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep.” (vs. 176a NKJV). Take heart. Jesus will find us and carry us home in his arms.

When our children were very young, we sang this song with them when they were tucked up in bed for the night.

Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me;
Bless Thy little lamb tonight.
Through the darkness, be Thou near me
Keep me safe till morning light.
(by Mary Lundie Duncan)

Remember, we can never stray so far that He cannot find us. We may think we are lost, but He will find us and carry us home. Just like my husband and I rejoiced when we found lost belongings again in our many moving boxes, our God rejoices when one of His children is found and returned to His wonderful sheepfold.

“The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. …”
—Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)

“He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those who have young.
—Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, I am sorry for the times I have gone astray. I truly want to follow You. Please keep me close to You. When any of us wander away, thank You that we know You will come and find us. Thank You for loving us enough to carry us in Your arms, close to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Margaret is Sharon’s Mum. She and her husband have had 68 years of marriage and four children. They enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and just being outdoors, watching wildlife. Margaret played the piano for many years as part of a nursing home ministry. She has written many articles for her church newsletter, and some of these have been compiled into a trilogy of books: Holding My Father’s Hand, Holding My Daughter’s Hand, and Holding My Heavenly Father’s Hand, all available here on Amazon. 

Saved by grace,
Margaret Fowler

Sweet Selah Ministries

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To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
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Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

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