“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” went the TV commercial that aired in 2007. Sadly, it generated a lot of mockery, and it became somewhat of a bantering phrase for many. I can neither confirm nor deny that I may have done so, but as I get older, falling isn’t anything to laugh about. Lynne won’t let me get on the ladder to put my Christmas lights up. Not that I’ve ever missed a step on the ladder. Just sayin’!

As Christians, we can find ourselves in a position where we’ve fallen and can’t get up. The Psalmist referred to it as “cast down,” which author Phillip Keller states “is an old English shepherd’s term for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself.” (A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, p. 60) Note that last part — the sheep cannot get up without help. The shepherd knows that a “cast down” sheep will not live long in that position, not to mention the danger from predators.

This phrase is a metaphor for children of God who have found themselves in a place where the only possibility of getting on their spiritual feet again is if the Good Shepherd comes to their aid. “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. My soul is cast down within me.” (Psalm 42:5-6, ESV)

How do children of God, sheep in the hands of the Good Shepherd, end up with a “cast down” soul? Keller gives three ways that can happen.

First, the sheep get comfortable. They find a nice soft spot and they relax and stretch. Suddenly their body shifts and their feet no longer touch the ground. They end up on their backs with no chance of getting back on their feet. Second, this can happen when the sheep have too much wool. The third way is when the sheep are overweight. All of these situations are dangerous to the well-being of sheep and require the intervention of the Shepherd.

As a Christian, I can entertain the false notion that Jesus is my heavenly porter, here to provide me with a life of comfort and ease. Suddenly I find myself helplessly alone, on my back spiritually and down for the count. I forget the warning: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Second, I can get burdened with life’s problems and challenges, doing things in my own strength and my own wisdom, and like a wooly sheep it will roll me over and I am no longer standing. Third, I can become a fat sheep. I go to church expecting to be spoon-fed like an infant, but I don’t exercise myself in godly living and service. Paul cautioned Timothy to “train [‘exercise,’ KJV] yourself for godliness.” (1 Timothy 4:7)

A cast-down sheep can perish in a matter of hours or days depending on the weather. A cast-down Christian may not perish, but he is of no benefit to the Shepherd in his fallen condition. But the Shepherd cares for the sheep and He is waiting to hear the bleating call of distress.

When I am on my back because I got comfortable, the Shepherd will lift me up so that I can follow Him. If the cares and burdens of this world are pressing me down, or perhaps even sin is binding me up, the Shepherd will respond to my repentance and take the shears of forgiveness to loosen the cords that bind me. If I find myself spiritually overweight, the Shepherd will set me on a path of service to get me to my fighting weight.

While a shepherd has to search the pastures to find the cast-down sheep, the Good Shepherd is close at hand. He is waiting to hear the pitiful bleating of a sheep who has realized he needs the Shepherd to get him on his feet. If you find yourself cast down in soul and spirit today, call to the Shepherd. B-a-a-a-h-h-h!

What say ye, Man of Valor?
Semper Fidelis!