“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3
This is a favorite Psalm of Christians worldwide. It brings to mind a picture a life of ease in an idyllic setting. But more often than not, we find ourselves weary and thirsty. The cares of daily life wear us down, and those green pastures and still waters are only a mirage. We search for things to restore our souls, but end up feeling more and more used up and exhausted.
Wait a minute! Maybe the key is that we’re searching for THINGS to refresh us! While there’s nothing wrong with mom’s nights out or scrapbook crops or a good book and cup of coffee, those aren’t the things that we should be relying on to refresh us. Those things can help, but has anyone else ever noticed that the more things we do to give ourselves a break, the more we need/want? Too often, it seems that the more I try to use things or activites to give me the time off I need, the more restricted I feel. I seem to shrivel up in my soul, rather than grow and mature into a more happy wife and mother.
The Lord has promised refreshment, but He has said that HE will provide it. If I am not spending time relaxing in His presence, no amount of other things will satisfy my soul. He can certainly use outside activities to provide some of our rest, but it is time with Him that will truly rejuvenate me and cause me to mature and grow. I have seen this happen over and over again – why is it that I am still so quick to neglect that quiet time when things get hectic?
Why, oh why am I constantly having to relearn the same things over and over again?!
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Love this verse! And your post is so true. I find myself running into this very same thing, on a daily basis. With small kids I should know better, and yet I don’t it seems. But the Lord has our hearts in His hands molding them to His liking. Soon we will be with Him!!!
Amen! When will I learn? Thanks again for an encouraging word.
I often ask myself the same question. If it is the Lord who gives me rest, then why am I not letting him? When I do submit and spend time with my father, there is an amazing peace- so why wouldn’t I do this always? Great post!
Jen
God’s Shining Stars
and Creative and Curious Kids!