When you talk to family and friends to ask how they are doing, most likely, one of the answers you will hear often is “I’m tired”. There are so many things causing us all to be tired - COVID, unemployment, injustice, riots and unrest, the news in general, and basically the uncertainty of everything. Our minds and our bodies are growing weary and tired trying to operate in the unknown. Psalm 23 reminds us that God wants to restore us and give us rest - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Rest. More often than not, we tend to think the only way to get rest is to go on vacation and take a break from life. Now that many have been home for a prolonged period of time we may be realizing that true rest does not come with taking a break from life. God, however, offers us rest each day by spending time with him. He is the creator of our souls and the only one that can quite our souls. The creator of the universe cares so much for us that he leads us beside still waters and makes us “lie down in green pastures” in order to restore us. What a beautiful picture of love!
Because Jesus came to live and experience life in human form, he understands how we feel… even our tiredness. In John 4:6 we see that Jesus got tired. He sat down during a long journey at a well where he met a Samaritan woman. A conversation that began with asking for a drink of water led to her believing in him and telling others. We can learn from Jesus’ example. If we will take time to rest, we may be better able to hear the needs of others. Instead of rushing through our days trying to survive, we may find that sitting and resting is just what is needed… and may be just what someone else needs as well.
Our shepherd knows what is going on in our world and in our hearts. David reminds us in Psalm 46:1 The Lord is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He is with us, sitting right next to us, waiting for us to listen to his voice. The voice that quiets the chaos and brings us to a place of rest in him.
THIS WEEK: Take time out of your day to read and meditate on Psalm 23 every day. Allow the time of rest to restore your heart, soul, and body so you can better listen and serve those around you.
-Dr. J