Apples of Gold

I am a self-confessed napper. A 20 minute power-nap in the middle of a busy day does wonders for me. I have found lately that my schedule has made it more and more difficult to find time to catch a nap. Some days I don’t really notice as I breeze through my tasks, but there are days that I struggle to keep my eyes open and my mind alert without the short reprieve. 

I find myself contemplating the whirr of activity and the endless responsibilities and obligations plastering my calendar and telling myself if I can just get through the next couple of days things will slow down. Well, they usually don’t! I fastidiously attack my to-do list only to find it has actually grown like that relentless weed that keeps poking through the stones on the path in my back yard, and this time it has returned with several friends. 

I’m guessing I am in good company on this one. Many of us could benefit from taking a couple of deep breaths, and pausing to reflect on the faithfulness of our God. 

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He makes me rest in green meadows, he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:1-3

The peace of God rolls over my weary soul, like a refreshing rain on an intolerably humid day, bringing relief and hope along with it. I have a shepherd who has my needs covered, making much of my fretting and toil unnecessary. A shepherd provides food, shelter, and protection for his sheep. He leads them to the best pastures, at times needing to pull out his crook, to keep them from straying into an area that looks good, but is perhaps too close to a cliff, or is hiding predators waiting for a lamb to wander in. 

I have all that I need

As a young child I learned the KJV –I shall not want. I need to make a conscious effort to not allow myself to be carried away with the endless wants available with a few simple keystrokes, or a trip to the mall. Remembering the difference between wants and needs is vital to our peace and well-being. Wants drive us to work long hours, miss time with family, spend money we don’t really have. Wants have an addictive allure, causing us to believe that we need just a little more and then we will be satisfied. Wants keep us from the rest offered by our Lord. 

He makes me rest

Most children do not voluntarily take a nap. “I’m not sleepy” was a very common phrase in our household. My kids were not good nappers but we did have a practice of quiet time when they would retreat to their room with a book and I would regain my sanity before chaos re-ensued. 

Like an over-tired child, we resist much needed rest at times. Insisting we are not tired and pressing onward, until we find ourselves sidelined with an injury or sickness or a life setback that puts us flat on our back, forcing us to take time to rest and recover. How much trouble we could spare ourselves if we would willingly heed Jesus call:

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry have burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Green meadows and peaceful streams have more appeal as the days go by. Naps are now a luxury rather than a punishment. Voluntarily seeking spiritual rest and renewal before we hit the wall and find ourselves in need of restoration and recovery saves us a world of hurt and pain. 

He guides me

I like to know where I am going, how I am getting there and when I will arrive. Unquestioningly relinquishing the entire course of action to my Shepherd does not always come easily to me. I tend to question God’s plans and offer suggestions, even alternate options as though I might have a better idea than my Omniscient, Omnipotent, loving Father. I need reminders that he has taken care of my needs and will continue to do so. I need him to draw me away to a quiet place where we can converse and sometimes just be together for a while. I need to meditate on his character and promises in order to hold on tight when things are tough and he is working behind the scenes from a hidden place. 

Our Shepherd knows us intimately. He is familiar with all of our quirks, strengths, and weaknesses and he knows exactly what we need, when we need it and the best way to provide it. If we can learn to trust him we can spend more time in the peaceful pastures, letting him lead us at his pace. 

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19