Intro:
There is nothing quite like a warm fire and a good book. To be able to sit and read in that kind of environment is rare and often has to be planned.
There is nothing quite like a mountain pass that few get to because cars are not allowed. To be able to stand and enjoy a meadow and lake with surrounding mountains is rare and has to be planned.
Maybe you have a place you can go where things are still and quiet. My experience is that it requires planning.
During my college and seminary years, I enjoyed several backpack trips to the Sierra Nevada mountains in California and got to sign the US Geo Survey book at the top of the highest peak in CA. That was a rush at 14,000 feet. But really, the most serene place was at Kearsarge Lake at 10,000 feet (see picture above).
The lake setting is incredible. There are no radios, no cars, no noise makers and few people. There aren’t even that many birds. It is a quiet setting were one can be still and listen to God in creation. A true blessing.
Here in Psalm 23 we see that God is actively working to create “quiet places” for us to be in. Ask Him to do that for you as you read these familiar words today.
Read: Psalm 23
A Psalm by David.
1Yahweh is my shepherd:
I shall lack nothing.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of ,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
6Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
Think:
Look at the verbs (action words) that God does on behalf of David. God makes David lie down (v.2), leads him to quiet places (v.2), restores his soul (v.3), guides him (v.3), prepares a table for him (v.5), and anoints his head with oil (v.6). You are amazing God!
David was not having a good time when he wrote this. There was much to be concerned about in the kingdom. He had good reason to fear and worry. There was great temptation to take things in his own hands or to run for it.
What do you do when you worry? We are so conditioned by our psychological age that we seem to have only 2 responses to difficulty: fight or flight. Have you even considered that there might be a third option? Have you ever thought that both fight and flight require actions on my part. Look at the verbs above again. God is doing a lot of stuff as well. Maybe fight and flight aren’t the only options, maybe there is freeze. Stand still and seek the Lord. Stand still and let Him work.
The God of David took care of his needs in such a way that he learned to trust Him and to wait on Him … to freeze. Next time you have a problem at work or at home or in the neighborhood or church maybe it would be good to stop and pray (freeze) before you act. Maybe God will take care of you first and then take care of the issue. Something to think about.
Do:
Do you tend to action when you need to wait? I often do. Is there something here that God is speaking to you about? Would you bring your sorrows and cares to him this hour? Will you join me in trying to freeze and let God do something?
I hope you took some time off from the radio and other inputs this week. If so, how’d that go? Send me an email and let me know how that went.
Have a God-revealing weekend.
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