Psalms 119:176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep: seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments - Though I have for a time wandered from God like a lost sheep, yet, being a believer, I do not utterly forget thy commandment. Note that even the believer, when lost for a time, much more the sinner, who has never been converted (), is unable to recover himself (cf. ). The distinguishing feature of the believer is, he knows to whom to look for restoration after temporary straying. See the Lord's beautiful promise in answer to Israel's prayer of penitence, which God Himself shall at last inspire (; ).