"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters"
Psalm 23:2 NKJV
We looked at Psalm 23 some time ago but, it never hurts to look at scriptures again and again. Unlike books of the world, the bible contains a living word and will address a given subject each time it is needed.
David's needs were met by the Lord. He was confident in Him and although there were times of shakiness, he always endeavoured to walk with the Lord. He was David's shepherd. Now a shepherd gives his sheep refreshment and rest in green pastures beside quiet waters. Sheep can easily become distressed, especially around strange people and animals. A shepherd is there to help and protect. Do you get the idea here. Jesus is your shepherd (John 10), and He guides and protects us wherever we go, as long as we remain in Him. Sheep have a tendency to wander off and get lost. The shepherd will go out and look for them. Jesus does the same for us, but will never come between our will, if we decide against Him.
The struggles of this world can exhaust us and we need to depend on Him more and more to be able to keep the victory. Jesus gives each one us, Refreshment, Restoration and New Life. Picture the scene of a green meadow on a still summer's day. Alongside this, can you see the still, peaceful lake where the birds are feeding and going about their business? Everywhere around is quiet and there is total peace around the place. This is the place that Jesus wants to take you to. It can be anywhere; you just have to be available to Him so that he can give you this important time-out. You may say that you need a holiday, but in this day of Covid and the travel restrictions, do you really need that hassle? It may be far better to ask Jesus to give you a time of refreshing. You have earned it.
Life has been hectic and tough just lately and there have been many mountains to negotiate. Perhaps the Lord is saying to you, 'Come and have a rest for a while' Mark 6:31 paraphrase. You are allowed; you are allowed to take some time off and just chill in Jesus.
Do it!
Copyright 2021 Grahame Howard.
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
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