
He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2
Hello Friend,
Ah, this morning, let’s just pause for a moment and become still. Breathe slowly. Allow your whole body to relax. Give yourself permission to rest. It’s okay, don’t fret. The important items on your to-do list will still get done. Promise! Breathe, and on the inhale, imagine breathing in peace. Exhale, and let go of all anxiety and worry. Breathe in stillness. Quiet. Listen for the still small voice of assurance. God longs to spend quiet moments like this with you.
Like you, I spend way too much time rushing. Too much time worrying. Too often, when I come to the waters of refreshment, I bring with me a burlap bag of burdens. The biblical word for worry (merimnao) is a compound of two Greek words merizo (to divide) and nous (the mind). Anxiety splits our energy between yesterday’s regrets, today’s priorities, and tomorrow’s problems. It is no wonder our souls are in turmoil. Yet, our Shepherd leads us to still waters—a place of contemplation and rest. God knows what we need even when we are sure our urgent task at hand must be handled. God says, “Come, let me lead you to a saner way of living.”
What burdens are in your backpack this morning? Are you like the woman bent double? Are you tired and weary? Is your burden heavy? You don’t have to bear it alone. Jesus says, “Come to me all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Come to the still waters, God will lead you there.
Linda