“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:1-2
Lord Jesus, come and make me lie down in green pastures of grace, for I have a tired, can’t-seem-to-relax, noisy heart. Take me along the quieting waters of the Gospel, then let me wade into them for a while, without anybody “watch-ing”—timing or observing me. Grant me the kind of refreshment that can’t be found in momentary relief or quick fixes, but only in you, Jesus.
As your beloved lambs, we (I) don’t lack anything essential; but we do need you to help us sort through our feelings—to know what’s really going on behind the curtains of our outward facing polite selves and our spiritual answers. Shepherd our hearts, Jesus—wherever that will take us in the coming days.
Vulnerability isn’t something to get over, but a tender moment (season) to be understood and stewarded. We’d love some things you do not promise, Jesus—like control over circumstances, expectations, timetables, being disappointed and being a disappointment. But you do promise never to leave or forsake us. Thank you, Lord, thank you.
Jesus, we’d be a total mess if not for your promise of being at work in all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). Theologically, your sovereignty remains our sanity; but experientially, we (I) need more of your peace to rule in our hearts. If we weren’t certain of your love for us, Jesus, busyness-fueled denial, poor choices, and blaming other people could take over. Thank you for letting us be honest and needy before you, Jesus. So Very Amen.
