Green Pastures

Wow.

This land is luscious, fascinating.  The rich greens, nourishing.  Imagine laying on your back in a favorite spot here for hours, fresh grass cleansing your mind as you breathe it in, its softness beneath you.  You are set apart from time in this space.  No harm, no cares, no rush of life pulling you in different directions as you rest in this freedom.

These wide open places, these wide open spaces are realities we can enter into when we press in to God, through prayer and quiet times with Him.  As is stated in Psalm 23 - "He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul."  We can use this great rest and refreshing in all seasons of life, but especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  As we take time to spend with Jesus, He leads us to green pastures and walks with us through them, because of His great love.

Whatever season of life you are in while reading this, I pray you are encouraged to take the time to rest and refresh your mind.  Take refuge in God who is your strength, solid rock, fortress, rescuer, shield, salvation, and safe haven.  Allow Him to fill your mind with nourishment and cleanse you.  You are greatly loved.


"We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."  
Romans 5:2 (The Message)

On Water

 

I have this desperate need for Jesus.  

Is anyone else feeling it?

I've tried to do this (life) on my own, and can't do it (well).

Relying on my own strength and ability means drowning in the depth of overwhelming emotions.  Over and over again I have tried to lift myself up from sinking, to no avail.

I've reached up here and there, but like Peter I have feared and doubted, causing me to go back under.

Jesus stood before Peter, ON the water, urging him to come towards Him.  I picture Peter staring straight at Jesus, right into His eyes, as he walked on the water.  I imagine him thinking "am I really doing this?", then looking around at what surrounded him - wind & waves - and allowing doubt to come in and drag him down.

How often do we do this in our lives?  I know how often I have done so in mine.  Every time I take my eyes off Jesus and look at the circumstances of reality, I sink.  My faith is small, but if I give it to Him, He multiplies what little I have and moves mountains with it.  He can feed multitudes with it.  

I can't, but He can.

I must give credit where it is due.  All the glory goes to God in my case.  That is my testimony, 

which is full of many stories.  

For now, I will continue to keep my eyes fixed on Him, the words of my favorite hymn playing in my mind, "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth with turn strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."  I will reach for His outstretched hand and walk on the water.  

What does the water represent in my life?  

It represents doubt, uncertainty, fear, depression, regret, anger - emotions that drag me down, seeking to drown me.  

What does it mean to walk on these waters? 

It means to trust in the opposite of each and every one of those negative emotions.  It means to follow Jesus, embracing the faith, belief, courage, joy, grace, mercy, and peace that He gives.  When I remain fixed on Him, I am able to rise above and receive these good and perfect gifts.  

What are the waters in your life?

How will you rise above, and walk ON them?

Will you reach out your hand for Jesus, 

keeping your eyes fixed on Him?