“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.”

Psalm 23:2

July 19, 2018

Rest and Refreshment

In the church where I grew up, our pastor often would say, “God is good,” and our congregation would quickly respond, “All the time.” Then our pastor would say, “All the time,” and our congregation would respond, “God is good.” This routine was always met with eager participation, and it was an engaging part of our service. The challenge, however, is that it is easier to say that God is good than to actually believe it.

In Psalm 23, God tells us that He is good because He provides rest, refreshment, and nourishment for His children. Because sheep, unlike other animals, have no ability to care for themselves, it becomes imperative that a shepherd be a good provider. God’s Word tells us that not only does He provide, but He does so in a way that is most loving and gracious.

So often, when we experience a great amount of stress or discouragement, we falsely think that we can be renewed apart from the Lord. The truth is that God is your source of refreshment and rest. So, today I want to remind you to seek the Lord and trust Him to be the provider for your soul. Reading God’s Word, listening to a sermon, praying, and singing to Him will help realign your life and bring the refreshment you need.

Will you spend some time with Jesus today and tell Him of your need to be encouraged?

PRAYER

Jesus. Thank you for being a great provider for me. I thank you today that every good and perfect gift comes from You. I know that I am not alone and that You are not only watching over me, but constantly at work to take care of my needs. Lord, I have been needing a touch from You and I thank you, Lord, that as I spend time with You today, You will encourage me and refresh me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.