Take a Break and Rest

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3a
When the Lord created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it, he came to the seventh day and rested.  Not that God needed rest, but as an example for you and I of the importance of setting aside the Sabbath as a day to draw close to Him and find peace, comfort and replenishment of the vital resources that we need throughout the week.  It was so important that God saw to it to include it as the 4th of the 10 Commandments, Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”  God’s desire is that we seek Him and only Him to meet our needs.  He has set aside one day a week to remember this principal.

In Psalm 23:2 we again hear from David the loving words of our Father.  We can picture the flowing green pastures of the promise land, rich in vegetation and comfort.  In the distance is a cool stream for quenching the thirst of the hot middle eastern desert traveler.  In this single scripture, there is so much more than come and lay down in the grass.  God is making us to lie down in the green pastures, fully satiated, fully fed with His word and love, not needing anything.  I can imagine the Lord’s gentle voice, “Come and find rest, and worry about nothing in My presence.  For I have given you everything you need and will watch over and protect you. “

The soft cool grass, the quiet rippling of the river bed and the presence of God.  To bask in His presence, how could anyone not be restored and overflowing with peace and compassion?  The Sabbath was put in place to reconnect with the Lord and restore our soul in line with His plans and purpose.  Through this simple prayer of the 23rd Psalm we can envelope ourselves in God’s  restorative process every single morning.  You might want to add this single verse to your daily prayers each morning, to remind yourself that when you rest in the Lord and trust in Him for all of your needs, He indeed will restore your soul.

PRAYER:
Almighty Father,
In Your loving presence and compassion we come this day seeking to be made whole once again.  Take our burdens and relieve our stress.  We give it all to You Lord, knowing that through Your word we find truth and wisdom.  We trust in Your promise to walk with us, provide for us and guide our paths toward righteousness and for Your sake.  We come to rest in You Lord, to drink from Your spring, and be restored.  Amen
             

© Sondove Enterprises, 2013
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
If you would like to be added to the email distribution please click here: Daily Thoughts