He Will Lead You to Still Waters

He Leads me beside still waters…

We were driving through “old stomping grounds” as they call them the other evening. Crossing a bridge over the Little Missouri River we remembered one of our more daring adventures. We decided to take a flat bottomed boat and go for a little ride with our then 2 year old daughter. Everything started out great, but soon we were in swift water and then the motor stalled and then the boat got hung up on a tree limb. We were about to go under when the miraculous happened – the boat got loose and the motor started back up! The first thing Danny did was head back to where we launched the boat.

As young people we all do things that are adventurous but dangerous. With a small daughter aboard the fun was totally drained from the whole experience. The lesson was learned but it didn’t stop us from continuing with adventures. We just didn’t always take our little one with us.

Life is really a wonderful adventure, especially when you’re married to your best friend. Without Danny I would not have done much of the daring things we’ve done if any of them. But with Danny even the rough spots in the river of life have been worth it.

I’m thankful that with the Lord the adventure of the faith has a promised outcome of good. Although there are rapids of despair and stalled moments of discouragement and limbs of adversity in the way, we keep going for new territory. We keep sitting in the boat with our Lord and letting Him calm the storm we might find ourselves in. But we aren’t giving up and we aren’t going back to shore. We’re staying with Jesus and we’re going to keep adventuring for Him.

God wants you to know that He has promises you can count on when you are adventuring in life. One of the greatest promises is that He will lead you beside still waters. This is restoration time beloved. You’ve made it through the rapids, you’ve managed to get free of the sandbars, and although your engine has stalled time and again God has gotten you going. Not all adventures are fun, not all travels have great rides, but God Himself promises you will be safe in the boat with Him. Safe in His arms, led to still waters – waters that calm and refresh and restore.

Oh beloved, don’t quit living. Don’t retreat from God’s call to follow Him with your whole heart. Don’t settle for the shoreline. Keep your eyes on God’s horizon for even when things are rough there is rest around the bend. Keep your eyes on the Lord for He is the captain of your ship and the Captain of your life. Even the hardest things that come your way will be used for your good and His glory. Absolutely no one can tip your boat and ruin your adventure or keep you from your destination – not people, not situations, not even the enemy himself. God has called you to a purpose far beyond mere human and natural circumstances. The adventure of a lifetime is letting God make your life supernatural in Him.

Launch out! God loves you and He’s for you so you can keep sailing for more adventures with Him!

Psalm 23: 2b- 3 …He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

Mark 39:40 When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Colossians 2:6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him.

Psalm 25:1 O Lord, I give my life to You.

Psalm 103:5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

You Can Be A Fearless Follower

I like to visit with my grandchildren as often as possible. Three of them live right across the street. Sometimes I don’t get done with evening supper or chores or shopping until it’s dark and they’re inside where it’s warm and cozy. Even though they are just across the street, I think about all the stray dogs running around and the coyotes we’ve heard and the foxes we’ve seen, along with deer and other wild animals. There’s even been a bear sighting within a mile of the house. If I dwell on those things I will not walk across the street in the dark, even if I want to see them badly.

But my love for them overcomes my fear of what’s out in the dark. I enjoy their presence. I love to hear what they want to tell me. I enjoy fellowship with them and their parents. It’s worth the trip over.

God speaks to my heart:  Enjoying the presence of My Spirit often requires getting out of your comfort zone. You may feel quite cozy where you are right now, but I am a living and moving God. I want to take you beyond your coziness and further into my Holiness. You enjoy my presence and I enjoy yours. But you cannot expect Me to conform to your comfort. Trust Me when you feel you must go through the dark to get to Me. I AM light and there is no darkness in Me. Look at Me as you come closer into My presence. I will be right where you are, guiding you and blessing you even when things don’t look safe. The reward will be greater intimacy with Me and that’s the goal of your life – to be conformed to My image and walk in My presence.

Oh beloved, you may feel that your comfort is just too good to move out with God. But He’s speaking to your heart daily to trust every move of His Spirit. You may perceive a situation as the darkest of rejections, but man can do nothing to you that will keep you from Me. The fleshly rejection of human beings is nothing. They have only perceived power, just as the darkness seems to hold power over you. You can look at the dark and listen for terror or you can look at the Lord and listen for His truth. The Word of God will keep you safe and get you to the other side of the road where God is leading you. Danger lurks everywhere, but you are concealed in God’s presence. Rejoice that God is with you wherever you may go. And most assuredly you can go where He sends you because that’s where the blessing is. Is He speaking to your heart? Follow His voice. Go where He sends you. Enjoy the benefits of treading where others fear to go. You are blessed, sealed, delivered and destined for God’s call to be fulfilled in your life as you forget about the darkness and live in the Light of His Word!

God loves you and He’s for you - now follow Him fearlessly always!

Psalm 27:1,8 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid?  The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” NLT

Hebrews 10:35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. AMP

Mark 1:19-20 A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed Him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men.

John 10:4 When He has brought His own sheep outside, He walks on before them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice.

Learning Experiences Disguised as Near Fatal Blows

Tuesday October 22, 2013 Devotional -


I’ll never forget the day in 1962 when I was hit in the cheek with a golf club. I was 6 years old and was being given “lessons” by a friend’s grandson. As the blow swiped me off my feet I remember seeing my mother in a distant lawn chair. Her hands flew to her mouth in horror as she leaped to her feet to come to my aid. As I think of her reaction my eyes well with tears at just how much she always loved me.

What I didn’t know was that my mother thought he had hit me in the eye. Blood was everywhere. She was frantic. It could have been disfiguring. It could have been a very intensive situation. I didn’t know what had happened for a moment. All I knew was one moment I was standing behind the “teacher” and the next moment I was down and out.

We went to Wadley Hospital where I was promptly stitched up. The boy who caused the accident came into the room to tell me he was sorry. Of course he didn’t do it with malice. We just collided as I stood too close behind him as he swung the metal club. Afterwards I got to drop a penny in the fountain outside the hospital.

To this day I bear the scar on my left cheek. Most people never notice it. Although it looked like something much worse had happened I’m happy to say it is barely perceptible now. I do remember not to stand too close behind someone who is wielding a golf club!

God speaks to my heart: My precious child. Life is full of learning experiences that come disguised as near fatal blows. Often you have been totally down and out due to a swiping hit. Sometimes it has come from another; sometimes it was by accident; other times quite on purpose. You have felt rejected, injured, bleeding. At times you just knew you would die. Although it seemed so severe, My hand was holding back the lethalness. My hand was keeping you from being totally ruined, disfigured or disabled. Each time you recovered it was My Spirit that built you up, renewed you and increased your faith. Don’t look in the mirror of your own past or your own fears or your own hurts, but rather look into the mirror of My Word. As you reflect on the heart healing I give you, you will lay aside the hurts and anguish. As you reflect on the Truth, you will be able to quench the lies the enemy will try to speak into your heart. Not only will you learn more about Me you will be able to tell others that their injuries can be healed as they too learn to Trust in My Word.

Oh beloved, ultimately there is only one thing that will keep you from losing your life and that is the Truth that God loves you and He’s for you so He will watch over you, guide you and keep you safe all the days of your life.

Psalm 146:5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.

Hebrews 13:6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

Habakkuk 3:18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

God's Plans Are Written Out Just For You!

We had a great time last week, but our vacation is over. It’s time to get back to work, change gears and start living more by the clock. Not a bad thing really. We’re tired. Even though we didn’t go far, we had a couple of 10 hour days on the motorcycle.



There were lots of pullouts where we could view the scenery. There were lots of water breaks so we could keep hydrated. There were gas stops an...d meal stops. Every time we stopped for gas, the tires would be checked and the windshield would be wiped clean of bugs.


We packed light so the bags would go on the motorcycle. It’s hard to leave so many things you feel are necessary for your comfort at the house. But I’ve learned that packing light makes for lighter travel.

The road trip was awesome, the company was great, and wonderful things happened along the way. We could have had a great time if we’d stayed home, but because we left the house for unknown territory we were blessed with people and sights we’d never known in the comfort of our home.

Not everyone enjoys the trip. Sometimes the sudden change in altitude makes people sick. Sometimes the looming mountains make for worry. Sometimes the frequent stops are disconcerting. You never know on the trip when you are going to have to make a quick change of plans or travel another road. It’s easy to get your bearings off and find that you’ve taken a wrong road and have to backtrack. Some folks would rather just stay home.

Life is like that. In order to endure the trip, you’ve got to have your destination in mind always. You’ll need to pack light because things weigh heavy and slow us down and wear us out. You’ve got to keep to the road map so you don’t have to backtrack through the mistakes of life. You can though, if you need to. You’ve got to keep your GPS on and working correctly, so that no matter how dark the night, how stormy the weather or how steep the troubles, you have a beacon to get you through.

How is your trip going in life? Have you over packed? Are you weighed down with worries, cares, fears, troubles and more? God says to pull into His loving care and let Him help you lighten the load. He knows what you need to make the trip so He can be trusted to choose what you don’t have to carry. Is your GPS working? The Word of God will get you through anything, anywhere, anytime if you have it handy and refer to it often. That still small voice beckoning you to do right when you could veer off wrong is the Lord!

Oh beloved, you are so precious to God! So much so that He has a perfect plan written out just for you. It may at times look unnavigable, but He is able and trustworthy and faithful and true. He knows the heartaches , the tiredness, the fearful things you have to face, but He will get you through it all. If you will keep your eyes on your destination, He will get you through the rough spots and let you enjoy the good times. Lighten your load, especially the things you were never meant to carry with you and watch as He guides, directs and keeps you safe all the way. Don’t ever think for one minute that your life is not important to God or that you can’t make it another day. He is the One who decides how far your trip will be and how long it will take and He can be trusted.



Give it all to Him, every single thing, and think about your destination so that you can remember He loves you and He’s for you for that will keep you going and get you there no matter what.



Psalm 119:43 Do not snatch Your word of truth from me, for Your regulations are my only hope.



Hebrews 10:35-36 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.



Psalm 91:14-15 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love Me. I will protect those who trust in My name. When they call on Me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.



Psalm 91:1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.



Romans 8:39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is the Ride of Your Life!

I have always wanted to ride a scenic train. Hopefully this summer will be my opportunity. We have plans for just that. I know that this type of train travels on the edges of rivers, winds through mountains and dips into valleys. There will be a couple of tunnels to travel through and there are no lights in these tunnels. I will not be able to see outside the train car, but I’ll be safe inside where it is well lit and all our needs for comfort are met – drinks, bathrooms, soft seats and air conditioning. I’ll also have my wonderful husband by my side.

I don’t know if I’ve told you, but I’m not fond of heights, dips, cliffs, bridges, curves or the dark! Yet I am planning a trip that will take me through those exact situations. My fears of those things are overcome by my desire to enjoy the ride!  I won’t be riding alone anyway, even when I’m afraid my husband never is and he will hold me close and remind me that it’s safe.  I might get scared from time to time but it will be okay because the trip will be outstanding and the scenery will be breathtaking!

We don’t always get to choose our trip. There will be hard times. We must go through them just like I will have to go through the tunnels. Life’s twists and turns can be rough. We don’t know how we can hold on. We want off the ride and back on terra firma – safe ground.  But regardless of the dangers ahead, we are meant to dwell in joy! The train cars of life are full of His care and comfort – we can abide in joy and peace. Our conductor is no novice –for He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He knows what He’s doing.  Not only that, the one who sits with us and comforts us and whispers words of safety is our Lord and Savior!  Even when we are in the tunnels of life and we can see absolutely nothing or no one, the music playing in our head is the Word of God sung to us by the Holy Spirit, who is with us always.

Oh beloved, run to God’s Word for you are in for the ride of your life! The Word of God is your ticket to heaven, but it’s also your seating assignment, your boarding pass and your safety net! Read it all and take it in for you will be refreshed in hard times and strengthened in weak moments. When you cannot see anything, the Word will increase your vision!  When you wish you were somewhere else the Word is your reminder that God is orchestrating your life for His glory and your best! You are blessed and highly favored for the King of your life not only gave you heaven, He has taken care of all your needs for this life as well! Keep your eyes on Jesus for He is the Conductor of your entire life – He will check your ticket and attend to all your needs and safety all the way. 

Psalm 112:6-8 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.  They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.

Isaiah 25:9 In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in Him, and He saved us! This is the Lord, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation He brings!”

Isaiah 42:16 “I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them.  I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone.” (New American Standard)

Proverbs 1:33 But all who listen to Me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.

Heights to Conquer? You Don't Have to Go it Alone!

One of the things I noticed while we were visiting the Vicksburg National Park was how many stairs there were. Lots of stairs at many of the monuments. But we came to one tall round building with a gold eagle perched atop and I just stared.  I thought about those flights of stairs and I just told Danny I would let him go look. I don't like stairs and I don't like heights, so when faced with thirty feet of rising granite, I just didn't want to go.  So I stood at the sidewalk below admiring my husband who, at 64, still takes stairs in his stride. I would let him go for both of us. He can look at the interior and admire the view from up there for me, too.

Trouble with that is my husband is also an encourager! As soon as he went inside the round building, he began exclaiming, "Oh wow!" and "You gotta see this!" He came back outside and shouted down that I had to climb the stairs for this.  Of course even in my trepidation, I started up, gingerly holding onto whatever I could. I called out to him, "You have to meet me halfway. I hate stairs!"

 

Down my valiant husband came, to hold my hand, encourage me upward and tell me I could do this. All the while I was thinking to myself, just keep your eyes on the stairs. Don’t look down and don’t look around.  I was also sure I didn't want to think about the climb back down!

 

Once inside the building, I was astonished! Yes, it was well worth the fear, the stumbling, and the mumbling.  I spoke and my voice echoed in ricochets off the granite walls. Up above, about 6 stories was a huge opening where the sky could pour its light into the dark dampness. Every soldier from that state had his name proudly stamped in brass along the walls. Nothing else was inside.

 

As we stepped back out into the air, I was also astonished at the magnificent view! We could see the entire battlefield below - both sides with their now immovable cannons. From this outlook, we could truly grasp the vastness of it all and how beautiful this area was. 

I breathed quickly, grabbed hubby's hand and we walked back down together.  Only this time it was lighter steps I took because my fears had given way to beauty.

 Oh beloved, are you looking at something you're not sure you can conquer? Are you faced with an insurmountable task and wondering if you really want to do it?  Rejoice!  God has gone before you! He has trudged those stairs, covered that task and overcome that fear. Even when no one is there to hold your hand, God will hold you securely. You are never alone, you never have to face adversity or trouble  without help. He will always be with you, and He will always hold your hand.  And when you've overcome and He shows you the view, you will weep for joy as you realize just how wonderful your God really is! 

 You can be sure that whether you are in the valley or facing the high places, He loves you and He's for you and that's all that really matters.

 2 Samuel 2:33-34  God is my strong fortress, and He makes my way perfect.   He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.

Psalm 121:1-2 I look up to the mountains -- does my help come from there?  My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth!  He will not let you stumble and fall; the One who watches over you will not sleep.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV

Psalm 63:7 Because You are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.

God's Vision Plan is Available to Bless, Keep and Guide

Danny was chopping wood while we were off due to the icy weather. He came back into the house and blood was on his cheek! A small stick he was chopping had flown up and him in the face, shattering the left lens of his glasses.  As we looked closely, we discovered there was glass in his eye!  He fished one piece out himself, and it felt better. But there were small fragments everywhere, so we decided that our optometrist could probably see better than us if there was more glass in his eye. Off we went in the sleet and mess! Sure enough, under closer examination, with delicate instruments, four more pieces of glass were deftly removed from his eye. The doctor was amazed! He said to Danny that he would have had to call 911 and would have been rolling in the floor in agony had that been his eye – “You must be tough!” 

 

As we got new glasses ordered, Danny told the optician the  glasses he had should have been safety glass, and she said that it was indeed safety glass and that the damage would have been much worse had it not been.   

Two lessons come to mind as I think back on the event. Danny had been splitting wood, and the big stuff had caused no problem. But that small stick about as big around as a walking staff, wreaked havoc. Many times we go through issues and problems and situations and they’re big. We walk with God and we give those huge things to Him and He walks us through it. But the little stuff, those things we think we can handle ourselves can cause big problems! 

The words of the optician about the safety glass reminds me that our problems can be awful, our hurts can be huge, our lives can appear to be dangling in thin air, but God is our safety! Without His safety over our lives, imagine what damage would occur! Even when we’re in the midst of problems, God is covering us with Himself and all that He is! 

Oh beloved, what an awesome morning to be reminded to let God have your troubles! Let Him be the safety net between you and life. Run to Him often, take every care to Him. His Word is so perfect that He can point out the little things that you might miss. He has all your hopes and cares and dreams in His hands. Your problems are not bigger than the Lord!  Let Him examine every area of your life so that you will be free of hidden problems that would cause extreme hurts later. Give Him the little problems as well as the big ones. And know that He can see so much more clearly than you can.  He knows your heart and He wants to bless every area of it. He wants you to be free of man’s thinking, free of fleshly responses and free to be all that He has for you.   This Great Physician loves you beyond your wildest imagination and has a Vision Plan created with you in mind – to bless you, to keep you and to guide you all the days of your life!

1 Samuel 25:29 “Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in His treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling!

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you,  and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Life is Fragile! Follow the Lord and Trust Him

As kids, both Danny and I participated in drills during the school day. Among them were the fire drill, tornado drills and even atomic bomb drills. We were urged to listen to our teacher and follow her instructions quickly and without questioning. After all we were preparing for a life and death situation. It was imperative that we obey in order to save our lives.  I can imagine that the teacher in Connecticut who saved the lives of her entire classroom must have urged the children to get into closets and cabinets quickly. Were they afraid? I’m sure. But they knew their teacher, that she could be trusted so they listened to her. She probably told them to be very quiet as well. Her quick thinking combined with their quick obedience saved their lives. The teacher, just like our teachers back then, shielded the lives of her students.  

While none of the drills I participated in as a child ever resulted in needing an escape or protection plan in real life, still I remember believing the teachers’ words without any desire to disobey.  For the fire drill, when she said “line up” we did! We wanted out of the building as quickly as possible. Out on the school yard we’d look around and see that the entire school was safe. 

We are a blessed people, those of us who have believed God and listened to His voice. We have said Yes, when He called and accepted the shield of faith that saves our lives, literally. The call to Christ is no fire drill, it’s real and the call to obey is urgent. Without a quick response to the Savior of the World, we won’t make it out alive. Today is all we have. Tomorrow may not come.  There are many dangers, toils and snares – each one designed to take our lives by keeping us from heaven. But God’s plan of Salvation is so simple that a child can follow it.

We are blessed as well because when our Lord says “line up” it’s in our best interests to do so. Sure, everybody’s doing their own thing, but God says to His children, “Line up according to My Word.”  It’s not a drill, it’s real life. And the only way you’ll be safe is to quickly obey the Master’s call. His Word is not meant to keep us bound but to set us free! True freedom is only found in putting our trust in One Who knows better than we do. He can be trusted and followed without question.

Oh beloved, life is so fragile! Are you listening to the Father’s voice? Are you handling your troubles, trials, sorrows and mourning with prayer? Are you giving your hopes and dreams to the One Who created you so that you can live a life without regrets? Are you sure in your heart that you can trust God, that even when bad things happen, you are safest in following Him closely and listening to every Word that proceeds from His mouth?  God freely offers you the blessing of heaven, but He wants to give you the blessing of obedience here and now as well. Won’t you run to Him this morning and take time to hear Him clearly? Before the noise of the day and the busy-ness of life drowns out His voice. His love is saying, “Here is the way” and His care is saying, “Safe are those who trust Me”.  Now that’s a God worth praising and following all the days of your life!

Luke 1:46-47,49 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For the Mighty One is holy, and He has done great things for me.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.

Deuteronomy 13:4  Serve only the LORD your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.

Psalm 16:11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever.

Prone to Wander? Fix Your Eyes on Him!

Little Caleb is a wanderer. He comes by it quite naturally. After all his mother was quite the traveler. Mrs. Maureen Stephens of Blevins named her “the wanderer”. She called over to a friend’s house one day after peering out her window to see my little darling standing in the highway. Yep.

Just a few nights ago, Caleb was brought back into his house at dark. He’d been out trying to play with his big brother and new found neighborhood friends. He was barefoot! His shoes had been left somewhere in the creek bed in our back yard. He wasn’t a bit unhappy about the loss of shoes even though it was quite cold out. His parents tell him often, “come back here”, “no no”, “get back in the house”… I found him yesterday standing outside on the porch when I left to go back to my house – no one including me had a clue he’d stepped outside.

We too are prone to wander in many ways. We let our mind wander to the regrets of the past and sometimes to fears of the future and if we’re not careful we’ll be out in the middle of the highway convinced that the old enemy of my soul is about to run me over! We watch too many home remodel shows and find our minds wandering to remodels and redo’s and re-fixes! We’ll have spent tons of money in our mind and find ourselves quite unhappy. Then we remember God’s Word and we’re back inside the comfort of His life for us.

So many things make us want to wander. The love of life, the desire for more, the curiosity of what all is out there. How blessed we are to know that our Father God calls us back to Himself each and every day.

Oh beloved, today as you wipe the sleep from your eyes, rejoice! Your Father God is the One Who is waking you up! He’s said today is another day in His marvelous plan for you. Stay very close to Him! He will always lead you, always guide you and always bring you out safely! Don’t wander and don’t wonder – stay close! The greatest antidote for wandering hearts is thankfulness! Thank Him this morning that He loves you! Thank Him that He will come after you to bring you back to safety! Thank Him that His plan for you is good and that He is always going to guide you if you let Him because He’s on your side!  

1 Chronicles 21:13 “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

Psalm 119:67  I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow Your word.

Psalm 119:175-176 Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me.  I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten Your commands.

1 Peter 2:25  Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.

Psalm 61:2  From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!