Lord, You are the great Shepherd.

You always watch over Your sheep.

But at times, we need to be reminded,

“don’t stray”, but remain in Your keep.

Things look exciting away from the flock,

but to participate, we have to stray.

We always forget evil’s lurking,

when we wander from Your narrow way.

The pleasures we see away from the keep

are tempting. Our pride takes the bait.

So we slowly drift away from Your flock

unknowingly tempting our fate.

We wander about in the fast moving world.

We’re on our own. We’re excited and free.

We now can do whatever we want.

And we can be like those others we see.

For a time we are carefree and happy.

We enjoy all the partying and fun.

We do things we know we shouldn’t do.

And we feel guilty, but it’s already done.

The pleasures that had looked so inviting,

didn’t satisfy and we now feel downcast.

Oh yes, they seemed wonderful at the time,

for they were reminders of our sinful past.

We stop and consider the path we have taken.

Is our life really worth all these pleasures?

In our hearts, we know they aren’t what we need

and aren’t how our lives should be measured.

Worldly people care nothing about others,

only themselves, sinful pleasures and fun.

They believe they have all they need in this world.

But one day they’ll regret what they’ve done.

We look up and see someone coming.

You can imagine our fear and dismay.

Who should it be but the devil himself,

coming to tempt us to stay on his way.

In our chests, our hearts start to beat faster.

It’s a long, rocky climb back to You.

And we know the desire of the devil.

It’s to deceive Your own select few.

We begin to hurry as fast as we can,

but the devil is still close behind.

Will we get back to You or continue to rebel?

For our very life is now on the line.

Just as we think that all is lost,

You reach out and lift us from harm.

You place us back with the rest of the flock.

Once again, we are safe in Your arms.

Whenever we wander away from Your flock,

by following our own sinful pride,

This is the time You have to be stern,

and chide us for leaving Your side.

You remind us of our human weaknesses.

We allowed earthly pleasures to darken our way.

You tell us temptations of the lost, sinful world

are temporary and will soon fade away.

You exhort us to always stay close to You,

for You continually watch over Your sheep.

Again dear Lord, You have saved us from death.

You forgive us and we’re safe in Your keep.

~Author~

Emily McAdams