Strength from the Pasture

Searching His Word
Seeking His Heart

Do you have those days when you are bone tired? You feel exhausted. The to-do list just keeps getting longer.

In retrospect, I look back on my life and it seems that’s the way it has been for as long as I can remember. If I can just get through this unit of study, then I can breathe again. If we can just get through the terrible twos… Once this program is over… As soon as this event is past… There always seems to be that “next thing” looming ahead.

(I’ve been in the process of preparing to move my mother to her new memory care home this past Monday. It has been exhausting, physically and emotionally.)

Then there are those ongoing tasks with extras added, and you come home and collapse under the weight of it all. That’s where I was last week. Surely I’m not the only one who goes through these phases.

I sat down in my recliner, pushed back and was too tired even to cry.

I thought about all those powerful words Sarah Young pours over me every morning in her daily devotional book, “Jesus Calling.” I pondered the encouraging words I write to you week by week and think, “Where is your strength, Joyce?”

About that time, the Lord brought to my mind a beautiful pastoral setting. I was on a grassy hill, sitting beside David, looking out at grazing sheep. David reminded me that, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. I have no need to be stressed and filled with anxiety. I have no need to want for anything. 

In my imagining, I looked over to see a stream of water running steadily over a rocky ravine, gurgling gently as it flowed. The sheep settled in, one by one, for their afternoon naps, completely given over to the care of their shepherd. David whispered to me, “The Lord is my shepherd.” 

I closed my eyes in my recliner and smiled. Yes, He’s my good shepherd, too.

I guess you know that next week, we’ll have a look at Psalm 23.

Sweet grazing my friends.

~ Joyce ~

This Post Has 6 Comments

  1. Ernie Stroxtile

    This is excellent Joyce. I regularly feel this way. It seems like I have so much to do, it is often overwhelming. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Joyce Cordell

      Thanks, Ernie. Yes, we need to retreat often to David’s hillside. I hope you will enjoy these lessons.

      1. Ernnie Stroxtile

        Yes. But it is hard to retreat to “David’s Hillside” when I am concerned about getting everything done.

  2. Jeanette Waters

    Thanks for the encouraging perspective!

    1. Joyce Cordell

      Thank you for writing, Jeanette. You certainly know that hectic world of busyness being a care giver for many. May you find some strength in these lessons on the 23rd Psalm.

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