Rest for a weary soul

The Lord is my shepherd,I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.~ Psalm 23:1-3

When I was younger I didn't mind being on the go.  Constant movement distracted me from the aches in my life.  It kept me from the shadows of loneliness and despair.  But today, I am older and wiser.  I have learned that being on the go doesn't distract you from pain, but only adds to it.  The constant spinning of life gives the the illusion that you are doing something, but when it all stops you realize that you are in the same place.  You have not moved forward.  You are simply dizzy, unstable, and lack the ability to move with sure steps.

I realize that that there are things that need to get done, but I can't do them if I have not rested in the Lord.  Sure, I can complete tasks, but I will miss my assignments.  I will miss the assignment to show grace to someone who is ruffling my feathers.  I will miss the assignment to cover the sin of offense with love.  I will miss the assignment to look beyond myself to see what others need.  I will miss my assignment to encourage someone to show hospitality to a stranger.  I miss the assignment to praise my husband for being a caring provider.  I will miss the assignment to rebuke spirits of confusion and rebellion in our children.

I miss them because I don’t allow the Shepherd to lead me.  I get distracted and forget that He has everything I need.  He has a prayer closet for me to enter when I get stressed.  He has a word of peace when strife is present.  He has healing when I am writhe with pain.  He has a zipper to put on my mouth when I want to vent instead of praise. He has the water I need, but I can only drink of His goodness if I do not allow Him to quiet my soul.

Father I need you.  I need you to make me lie down and rest in You.  Stress and and anxiety are stirring the waters so I can't drink and be refreshed.  Restore my soul so that I can be led on the path of righteousness. Not because I am so good, but because You are and I want to please You.  I want to walk in the assignments You have given me.  I want to experience the peace and joy that only You can give.  Take me through this valley of shadows.  Help me to get up and dust myself off when I fall.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen