A Pasture for the Soul"He lets me rest in green pastures."Psalm 23:2
For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures.
Green pastures were not the natural terrain of Judea. The hills around Bethlehem where David kept his flock were not lush and green. Even today they are white and parched. Any green pasture in Judea is the work of some shepherd. He had cleared the rough, rock land. Stumps have been torn out, and brush has been burned...
With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul He tore out the thorny underbush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place, He planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy.
And He invites us to rest there.
A Max Lucado devotional,
Thursday 21st Sept
Thursday 21st Sept
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Amazing...I can't really find a word to describe it. It suddenly dawned upon me...that God actually prepares the place of rest before inviting me."You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Psalm 23:5
I still remember explaining this verse to my youth cell in one of the BS sessions we had a few years ago, explaining the picture of the tradition where the host of a dinner who prepares the table and food for his guests, is actually responsible for the safety of his guests as host, as well as ensuring that the guest's cup or plate, never runs empty.
And I've always been thankful in remembering that, that God takes it upon Himself, as His responsibility to keep me safe from my enemies and see to my needs, if I would choose to refuge myself in Him.
But I've never realised...
"You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies."
To just invite me to rest isn't enough for Him apparently. He prepares. He knows the journey I've taken, and exactly where do I ache and tire. And the place is prepared according to my needs, of which no one knows better.
And herein lies another reason why He delights in my taking refuge in Him.
He knows, and has prepared accordingly....specially.
-Deqi
