My last devotion was about continuing the work God gave us to do. It might seem counter-productive to talk about rest, but a person who is resting in their Savior can accomplish so much more.

Sometimes the opportunity to rest is the perfect time to reset so when we return full-tilt to our callings we can do it with gusto.

One of the best passages of scripture to examine when thinking of the topic of rest is Psalm 23:

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.
Yea, 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 runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
 

Re-reading this, I was struck by how perfect Psalm 23 really is.

First of all, those first nine words are so awesome. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I don’t want anything.  I have all I need. Park there a moment.  Dwell on this fact. 

In the natural, a Shepherd provides everything the sheep needs.  He shelters them, protects them, provides for them, leads and guides. All the sheep must do is follow.

Spiritually speaking, it’s the same deal with us.  If we are obedient to the great Shepherd, His promise to us is freedom from want.  If we truly believe that promise, then there is no cause to worry.  And if we are not worried, then our hearts are at rest.

How about you? Is there something you need?  The Shepherd provides shelter, food and water for the sheep.  He anoints them (gives them medicines … or you could look at it as health and beauty aids).  The sheep trust Him to provide what they need.  God promises you’ll never see “… the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25) You can rest knowing your Shepherd will provide.

You don’t know the path to take? Come sit at the Shepherd’s feet.  He promises to lead you in paths of righteousness – the path of right standing.  What better place could you be?  The bible says, “A good man’s steps are ordered by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23) If you are trusting the Lord, and doing what you feel He is leading you to do, then you have no worries. Everything will be all right, you can rest.

I’ve heard some say, “What if I mess up and take the wrong path?” Honey, He is BIG enough that He can get you back into that right path!

What if you are facing physical danger?  Nestle close to the Shepherd. He will protect you and you will fear no evil.  You can rest knowing He is on the job.

Have you been treated unfairly? Take it to your Shepherd.  You shall not want for justice. He says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.” (Romans 12:9) He will take care of it, you can rest knowing it’s His problem now.

I’m so thankful for God’s Word.  I love it so much that He promises that I shall not want.  Then He caps it off by telling me that goodness and mercy are going to follow me around forever!  A sheep cannot ask for more than that!

No need to worry or fret … no need for stress … you can rest!

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PREVIOUS POST: PIT STOP #6 CONTINUE THE WORK

Today, I’m sharing at Sweet Tea and Friends and InstaEncouragements Link-Up

Thanks for dropping by my little piece of cyberspace! I want to always share from my other blog, my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series A Rich and Satisying Life. (No, it’s not about money.)

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.