We are almost two weeks into 2021...how are your resolutions coming along? It's about this time that many of us tend to toss those well-intentioned resolutions to the side in the name of productivity, busyness, or obligations.
This isn't a blog about sticking to your resolutions. Don't worry, this is instead a blog about the kind of resolution that can be made every single day. One that we don't have to feel guilty about for forgetting at times, and one that we are actually excited to keep.
To end 2020, God gave us such a great word through UpperRoomDenver Church.
The challenge is to be patient to seek something new from a verse that you've heard many MANY times...
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Psalms 23: 1-5 (There is more to this verse, but let's start here). This past year Viv and I were laid off and then called to full-time mission work. At the time, it was frustrating and confusing, but reflecting back through Psalm 23...God gave us “2020” vision. Getting laid off made us pause among the chaos and realize that God was the one he charge. You see when you have a Sheperhard, YOU don't need to know where you are going. You have someone guiding you and showing you the way! When we see that, we LACK NOTHING.
Do you feel like you lack nothing today?
How might you surrender to the guidance of your shepherd more today?
He MAKES us rest in green pastures. Have you ever had to make your kid take a nap? Or make a player do the drill before explaining why it will help them? There are times in our lives when we are guided, sometimes somewhat against our will to do the will of the Lord...FOR NO OTHER REASON than our good. It's under His hand, we are taken care of and provided for. It's there that we are given the still waters to drink from and the green pastures to be sustained by.
Have you felt his hand on your life pressing you to pause?
How might God be actually showing you something for your GOOD today?
From there we see a similar thought that God's correction is the same as his guidance. His rod and staff comfort me in the darkest of times. And you know what else God does during the darkest of times...?
He Pauses...and prepares a table.
Why does the Shepherd pause to rest in the darkest of times? Well in the simplest of ways, it's because he ISN'T afraid. He takes his time in the scariest of places for us to see that he is actually the one in control...even there.
God has been with Viv and me through the tough times this year and has encouraged us to remain in the truth that he is the one in control. And He led us on a new adventure to glorify and lift His name high. We've never seen God’s hand so clearly woven in our lives through His scripture.
Have you found yourself in the Valley of Death this year?
How might God be showing you His authority more and more during this time?
So what is our New Year’s Resolution? More of God, our Shepherd. He is always walking with us and through Him, we lack nothing! What a promise of His victory and His love.
Tired of counting sheep? Talk to the Shepherd.
Love Overflowing,
John & Viv