Psalm 51:8, “Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.”

In the day of the shepherd there were things that a shepherd would just do in order to protect the sheep.  If a sheep was prone to wander away whether by intent or unintentionally it would come to a point that the shepherd; out of love, would break the leg of the wandering sheep.  You say, “That is cruelty to animals!”  At first glance it appears this way.  However, it is a display of love.

The shepherd does this deed to prevent the sheep from wandering away.  While the sheep is recovering from his wound, he is carried on the shoulders of the shepherd and nursed back to health.  He will always have this reminder of the pain brought on by wandering; but, he will also have the reminder of the love and care of the shepherd.

It is much like Psalm 51:12, “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”  When the healing comes and the realization of the love of the Shepherd for us our joy is restored.  Real joy and not just happiness.

So, how are you doing?