Good Morning! I am hoping you had a restful night sleep, or are you feeling like you never slept a wink? Well, I know how you feel! I have been there many times. With our sweet baby on the way, I have really been drawn to lambs, sheep and have been intrigued as I have studied their behavior so much so that I used them as a theme for the nursery. I have inserted some pics in this blog to visualize my points. It is no wonder Jesus referred to us as sheep. The good news is sheep require a Shepherd. We have a great Shepherd and it is our Heavenly Father!
In reference to rest, Psalm 23 reads, “He maketh me to lie down in Green Pastures” This entire chapter has been been one of my favorites passages that I keep in memory and recite often. Especially in times of much needed rest! The interesting thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up is it almost impossible for them to be made to lie down and rest. Sound like anyone you know? Phillip Keller is a great author but also a great Shepherd. He explains in his book, A shepherd looks at Psalm 23, that there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger for the sheep to lie down and rest. He paints the picture that it is ONLY the shepherd himself who can provide release from all of these anxieties. Wow! I love it! Did you get that? I hope so, it is good stuff! God refers to himself as our Great Shepherd. He is the answer to our rest! In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and sound mind”. The thought of a sound mind is of a mind at peace which results in rest!
I don’t know where you are today. I do know as I prayed and asked God what I should write and share He impressed upon my heart, Rest and who provides it. So many things in life causes us to be restless. Some to include pain, anxiety, depression, Grief, fear, distractions. Whatever it is I encourage you to surrender it to God, our great Shepherd.
Spend time today soaking in this truth and enjoy some time lying in His green pastures!
Blessings, Jeannie
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