Today we’ll do two sections of Psalm 23. First, “I shall not want.”
When faced with a surrender issue—something God wants us to do, or not do anymore—it’s normal to feel a twinge of fear about that. I can almost hear David’s deep sigh before reminding himself that God always, only does things for his good.
The truth is that we won’t always have what we need to live the life we think we’re entitled to, but we will always have what we need to fulfill our God-given calling. Even so, we shouldn’t bury our fears or doubts, but rather place them at the feet of Jesus. This begins by asking him to show us what we’re really afraid of losing or giving up. So: Here are some more questions to ask Jesus. Read them as prayers, then wait. Listen. Write down whatever comes to your mind here:
Lord Jesus, what am I really afraid of losing or missing out on? Why am I hesitant to obey you fully and surrender on this issue?
Lord, what do you want me to know about this fear?
“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?