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Happy Saturday, Friend.
Today I invited my good friend and a regular contributor to the Living by Design Blog, Becky Meyerson, to share some biblical truth to help you find rest in seasons of uncertainty. -Sarah Koontz
My soul feels weary. I am trying to get a good night’s sleep and keep my emotions in check during the day, but I am not succeeding. The weight of this season of unknowns tugs me away from the green meadows and peaceful streams God is providing for me.
"He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams." Psalm 23:2 NLT
Green meadows and pastures speak of nourishing spiritual food for me to eat, but I cannot settle down enough to sit at the table. Peaceful streams are places where we are safe from harm, but my heart is jumpy, and my emotions are on edge. Phillip Keller gives a first-hand look at the behavior of sheep in his book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23."
The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up, it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met:
1. Free of all fear. 2. Free from friction with others. 3. Free from pests (flies or parasites that torment). 4. Free from hunger. I quietly wonder, "What is stealing rest from me today?" It does not take long for me to hear God whisper an answer: it’s the "what-if" fly. This pest buzzes around my thoughts day and night, bringing "what-if" scenarios that harass my heart and emotions.
- What if the members of my family with comprised lungs get the coronavirus?
- What if my husband and I (both over 60) get the virus – are we strong enough?
- What if the only way through this pandemic is herd immunity, and eventually, we all contract the virus?
Where are the green pastures and peaceful streams God is providing for me in the middle of my "what if’s"?
"Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me." Psalm 23:4 NLT
God’s Word is the place to find rest, comfort, and assurance. His promises give the parameters for healthy thinking, and many times I read that His method of deliverance in difficulties is not "out of", but "through". My faith, trust, and confidence in God grow as I instruct my thoughts to calmly rest in the truth that even when I go through troublesome times, God is with me. The "what-if" fly gets swatted, and I receive a restful spirit, a calm heart, truth-based thinking, and peaceful emotions.
"There is no panic in heaven. God has no problems, only plans." - Corrie ten Boom
Here are two stories from the Old Testament that remind us that God knows what He is doing. They teach us that we can trust Him to lead us through any difficulty in this life. 1. God has an Option C. (Exodus 12-14)
The children of Israel have left Egypt full of confidence and excited about the future. But now they find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army. They only see Option A; drown in the sea, or Option B; die by the sword or be brought back to slavery. Their faith in God quickly seeps onto the desert sand, and the complaining begins:
- This way is the wrong direction.
- I am going to die.
- I do not want to do this.
- I wish things were the way they used to be.
God knows what He is doing. He does not consult us for directions, nor does He panic when the enemy approaches, and life seems in despair.
We can trust Him because our Good Shepherd always knows the way. He sees the big picture, has our good in mind, and implements Option C – the way through the sea. The Lord himself will fight for us; we just need to stay calm. 2. Rescue – In, Through, Even If (Daniel 3)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue and now find themselves bound in front of a blazing furnace. King Nebuchadnezzar is furious, heats the furnace seven times
hotter, and boasts: what god will be able to rescue you from my power? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up (Dan 3:16-18)." The confidence of these men builds my faith in God, my Rescuer.
- In: God is in the
middle of the furnace with me. I am never alone (Dan 3:25).
- Through: God is able to bring me through any inferno (Dan 3:27).
- Even If: Even if God does not rescue me, I will not serve any other (Dan 3:18).
This is our God! This is our Good Shepherd, who invites us to His places of rest. I will not allow the "what-if" fly, or fear, or friction, or anything else separate me from experiencing the rest and peace that God has prepared for me.
Will you join me as I rest and refresh my soul by the stream of living waters today?
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Becky Meyerson is passionate about writing and teaching from the Word of God. Her heart is to see every woman pick up her own Bible and read it for herself. To encourage and empower women to live abundantly she writes free Bible reading plans, Bible studies, blogs and speaks on healthy thinking, identity, and purpose. You can find her Reading Plans, Bible Studies, and Blogs on her website. You can also connect with Becky on Instagram and Facebook.
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