To recap, we’ve been praying and listening our way through he 23rd Psalm. Today we move on, with “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”
We must remember that David was a typical Hebrew in his thinking. So for David, the day began with rest. In Genesis 1:3 a day is described that way: “There was evening and there was morning, the first day.” Rest was built into each day, each week, each month, each year, each seven years, each fifty years. Rest was very concrete and very important. So if you’re not resting well and finding ongoing restoration spiritually, emotionally, physically—it means you’re doing too much (being disobedient) somewhere. Time to talk to Jesus about it, okay?
Jesus, have I taken good care of myself—body, soul, and spirit?
Lord, where do I need rest in my life right now?
Holy Spirit, how am I getting in the way of your restoring work? Where am I refusing to lie down?
NEXT: “You lead me in paths of righteousness, for your namesake.”
To review, righteousness means becoming more like Jesus—more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control, creativity, integrity, perseverance, grace, dependence… the list goes on.
It also means becoming more like yourself. So the way all those virtues get expressed is unique to you and your calling. Either way, growing in righteousness means changing. Growing. Being stretched, challenged. Let’s ask Jesus about that now:
Jesus, what are you trying to change in me lately?
What are you trying to use to stretch and challenge me lately?
Where am I resisting your righteous path for me?
What would you like me to know about that?
Where am I being tempted to compromise or take the easy way out?
Let me know how this is going for you!