Day 6 of 7, a study on rest that isn't retirement.
Earlier this year, in a different study on this site, I sat with the first line of Psalm 23 and what it means to lack nothing. Today I want the second line, because I skipped right past it the first time and it turns out to be doing most of the actual work.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters."
Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down. He leads me. I don't find the green pasture on my own initiative and then, feeling proud of the discovery, decide to rest in it. The shepherd does the leading. I've noticed how much of my restlessness this season comes from trying to locate my own quiet water instead of letting myself be led to it, as if resting were one more task I have to accomplish through my own effort.
I don't have to find the pasture. I have to follow the shepherd who already knows where it is.
Today's Question
Where have you been trying to find your own rest instead of letting yourself be led to it?
A Short Prayer
Shepherd, lead me to the green pasture instead of leaving me to find it on my own. I don't have to earn the lying down. Just lead me there. Amen.
God bless,
Paul