I was stuck.

I had emotions to process, decisions to make, and people to talk to.

My head was spinning with thoughts and the more it spun, the more stuck I felt.

In an effort to be decisive about something, I sat down.

I just wanted to cry. I wasn’t even sure what to pray.

When I finally did open my mouth, all that came out was, “Jesus.”

That’s it. That’s all I could muster.

Jesus.

Before too long, the mental congestion began to clear a little as God reminded me that I am a sheep.

His sheep, to be specific.

Adorable and loveable to my Father but equally prone to wander and get stuck.

I pondered that for a bit.

I could visualize a distraught sheep entangled in some briars or stuck in a ditch and imagined their frantic bleating.

That sheep wouldn’t be able to will itself free or struggle it’s way out. It could only cry out and wait for the shepherd to come and deliver it.

That mental image was all I needed to continue to say His Name.

Jesus.

I couldn’t work my way out of my distress.

Jesus.

I couldn’t will myself free.

Jesus.

I couldn’t pray enough, read enough, or take any strategic steps out of this mental and emotional pit I found myself in.

But, I could call out my Shepherd’s name and wait for Him to rescue me.

And, in His ever-constant faithfulness, He did.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need…” (Psalm 23:1 CSB)

Until next time, Grace and Glory!