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SELAH - Psalm 23
STOP
“He restores my soul” (vs.3). Just the very idea of Jesus restoring my soul is refreshing. Of course, in order for our lives to need rest and restoration, we will endure stress, hardship and trouble in our life. But take comfort, we have a loving God who wants to lead us to “green pastures,” and “quiet waters” where we are not in want or need of anything. He will guide you in paths of righteousness. Let him lead you this morning to a place of quiet, a place of rest, a place where you can be with God with no reservation. God is wanting to provide for you, let him.
Lastly, all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists, and imagine Jesus as the good shepherd leading you away from all of it to a quiet place where you can rest. Imagine sitting and enjoying nature without the “bugs.” The breeze in the air, the sun shining down, the quiet… This is what the Lord wants for you.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in Christ. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “I will fear no evil”As you exhale, pray, “For you are with me”(vs.4)
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides 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 love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ”(Psalm 23 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Many of you probably know this psalm in some way or another, whether through its references in song or years of hearing it in church. But I love the way that this psalm is organized. Jesus leads us to peace. When troubles come your way, he will be with you. And throughout everything, goodness and love will follow. When do you need him to lead you to peace? Do you follow him in times of trouble? Do you allow him to lead you when you are in the valley? As he prepares a beautiful table with lots of food, do you allow him to sit at the table with you? Even if someone you don’t like is nearby? Does your cup overflow with the goodness that he provides you? Do you see how God is providing what you need so that you won’t be in want? When you are led to green pastures and quiet waters, do you lie down and rest?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, ponder what it would be like to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” During quiet times, we are to find these little rests, little sabbaths, a reminder that we will one day be with Jesus and be able to rest fully in open fields and beside streams and babbling brooks. We won’t feel as though we are carrying the weight of the world in our valleys uphill both ways. We won’t be surrounded by the evil of this world. Take the little moments of rest as we prepare for heaven.
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By Matthew D. TownsendSTOP
“He restores my soul” (vs.3). Just the very idea of Jesus restoring my soul is refreshing. Of course, in order for our lives to need rest and restoration, we will endure stress, hardship and trouble in our life. But take comfort, we have a loving God who wants to lead us to “green pastures,” and “quiet waters” where we are not in want or need of anything. He will guide you in paths of righteousness. Let him lead you this morning to a place of quiet, a place of rest, a place where you can be with God with no reservation. God is wanting to provide for you, let him.
Lastly, all of what’s on your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, your emotions, the expectations, your agendas, your to-do lists, and imagine Jesus as the good shepherd leading you away from all of it to a quiet place where you can rest. Imagine sitting and enjoying nature without the “bugs.” The breeze in the air, the sun shining down, the quiet… This is what the Lord wants for you.
EXHALE
Next, breathe. Breath in and out. Close your eyes to everything around you. God is as close to you right now as the breath in your lungs. Find peace in Christ. When you are ready, pray this simple prayer a few times while still focusing on your breathing.
As you inhale pray, “I will fear no evil”As you exhale, pray, “For you are with me”(vs.4)
LOOK
Let’s look at the word of God today. When God speaks, it’s important for us to pay attention. Read these words slowly and carefully. Read it a few times. Notice which words or phrases stick out to you.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides 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 love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ”(Psalm 23 NIV)
ASK
What stood out to you? Highlight/mark it in your bible. Many of you probably know this psalm in some way or another, whether through its references in song or years of hearing it in church. But I love the way that this psalm is organized. Jesus leads us to peace. When troubles come your way, he will be with you. And throughout everything, goodness and love will follow. When do you need him to lead you to peace? Do you follow him in times of trouble? Do you allow him to lead you when you are in the valley? As he prepares a beautiful table with lots of food, do you allow him to sit at the table with you? Even if someone you don’t like is nearby? Does your cup overflow with the goodness that he provides you? Do you see how God is providing what you need so that you won’t be in want? When you are led to green pastures and quiet waters, do you lie down and rest?
HEAR
What is God saying to you? Listen to hear his still small voice. Quiet your mind and search your heart. Now pray: “Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.” You are waiting to hear from the Holy Spirit, still your heart and mind. Based on the scripture you read today, God’s words to you, is there anything God is asking you to do? Read the scripture again if you need to. God is speaking to you through it. To finish up your quiet time, ponder what it would be like to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” During quiet times, we are to find these little rests, little sabbaths, a reminder that we will one day be with Jesus and be able to rest fully in open fields and beside streams and babbling brooks. We won’t feel as though we are carrying the weight of the world in our valleys uphill both ways. We won’t be surrounded by the evil of this world. Take the little moments of rest as we prepare for heaven.