Cast Down

It’s not whether or not we will be cast down or even why we’ve been cast down, instead the question is will we find a way to see hope until we find it.

Downcast is that feeling of low spirits in loss of hope or courage (wiktionary).  It’s that place where we feel cast down; where our hope has been cast down.  I’ve been learning how we are like sheep.  When sheep have been cast down it means they have been turned on their backs and are unable to get back up on their own.  Furthermore, if the owner does not arrive in time to set it upright the sheep will die within days.  Now I don’t know the thoughts of a sheep but I’ve learned they battle much fear and can easily become frantic when lying cast down.  Yet, it is this panic that makes things worse for the sheep and for us.  So you see, we are like sheep.  We like the sheep are easily cast down.  We like sheep are in need of help.  We like sheep make things worse the further we delve into panic mode.  So whatever has you cast down, feeling like your legs are in the air unable to get up, remember there is hope.  

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

Psalm 43:5

The thing about following God is that we have a Good Shepherd.  A good shepherd is always on the look out for cast down sheep.  They are constantly attentive to the condition of the flock and thus ready to pull any one of their sheep back to it’s feet.  This is our God.  So while it may seem helpless we too must remember to whom we belong.  This is what the psalmist is doing, he is remembering his God who brings hope and saving.  This is not a condemning question of why are you cast down but an invitation to remember that even though you may find yourself cast down you have a Good Shepherd who is always on the lookout for his sheep.  He sees you and will be faithful to you.  Keep your eyes always on Him, our hope and our help who has His eyes always on you.  

Adapted from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, Phillip Keller