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Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
I wonder how people have felt now that things have changed? some have worked harder, some had to learn to work differently, some have had to stop.
Paul speaks about being content in every circumstance and I wonder if this is true of us? do we feel guilty because we are not working as much, do we feel anxious because we are uncertain of the future? lots of questions can arise.
The psalmist speaks about God as one who makes us lie down in a restful, safe place,
in fact God built sabbath into the workings of his world, the principle that we should stop regularly and rest, take time to refocus on God.
in the modern world the power of electricity and the growth of technology means we can work longer hours, 24/7 if we want, yet is that what God wants? we are created to work and to worship and we need to find a healthy rhythm in life. God is not impressed by our hours, we cannot earn his love or respect by how much we do. This time has reminded us that we are called to stop on a regular basis, to intentionally focus on the God who loves us and has showered us with many gifts in creation and in salvation. we are loved for who we are, we are his children, very much reliant on his grace for every day we have.
A prayer: Lord help me to stop and focus on you, even for a short time each day. Help me to remember that frantic activity is not your call but it's rooted in my own insecurities and need to be admired by others. Help me to learn to say no when I need to to the demands placed upon me and to give myself permission to Stop and focus on you. Then Lord help me to do what you have called me to do with all my heart and soul, working from a place of rest and acceptance in the security of your love, In Jesus name