Today’s scripture: Psalm 23 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Sue Robinson):
I have always loved this Psalm. Even those who don’t have a strong church background have heard it, or at least parts of it, repeated for years. Most of the time, it’s quoted as a calming influence when someone is having fears or difficulties in life. “Yea, though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death…” And it is soothing and comforting in those times.
But as I prepared to study this chapter, I noticed the first few words.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.”
God intends for us to rest and recuperate. In fact the Psalm says He MAKES us to lie down. When we run on and on with no sleep, little rest, and even less relaxing times, we are actually going against God’s best plan for us. That is one of the purposes of the Sabbath day; to take time to rest and reflect on God’s love for us.
I know all of us in this busy age find things to fill each and every minute of the day. But imagine the words of the Psalmist; green pastures, still waters, restoration. I think it would make God so happy if we would take a few minutes out of each day to meditate on God’s beautiful creation and feel the soothing effects of the blessings God has made for us to enjoy.
Prayer for the day: Lord, help me to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Your world. Encourage me to make rest a balanced part of my life. Thank You! Amen
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.