The Good Shepherd: Devotions Inspired by Psalm 23Chikamu

God Does the Work: An Invitation to Rest

By Mary Jo Pierce

“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” Matthew 11:28 (MSG)

I was sitting, not too patiently, in the cold, austere doctor’s office comforted only by the Scriptures on the wall. Surely the myriad of tests I had undergone would finally bring some answers to the unexplainable fatigue, weariness, heart palpitations, sleeplessness, and other symptoms I had been dealing with for far too long now. I was surprised but relieved when the doctor told me all the tests were negative. There was nothing physically wrong with me. After asking me some life questions, the doctor pulled out a prescription pad and drew a rectangle with multiple lines stretching from one edge of the paper to the other. He told me the rectangle represented me. His diagnosis: “You are living with no margins.”

The doctor’s words were a reality check, and I was so grateful for this it’s-not-too-late prescription. My physical exhaustion was the result of serving God with a passion that got ahead of His purposes and plans. My pattern of unsanctified yeses was just that: unsanctified. The constant state of the calendar running my life had to stop. I knew I was dealing with a spiritual problem that could be healed in God’s presence.

I began searching the Scriptures for concrete answers to the mess I had gotten myself into. “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2). Green pastures was not my spiritual address. I was living on Burnout Street.

So my prayer chair became a place of resting instead of wrestling. My prayers moved from unrighteous worry to righteous burdens. Then Holy Spirit laid out a three-step pattern for my meeting with Him.

• Be Fully Present: Putting aside distractions, disappointments, and distress, I paused until I was fully present.
• Be Fully in His Presence: I rested and hosted His presence before I read the Scriptures, prayed, or journaled.
• Be Fully Satisfied: I didn’t leave until I felt an “amen” in my spirit. There were not always answers, directions, or revelatory moments, but there was a sensing we had met face-to-face.

This three-step pattern could take place in five minutes or three hours. And I learned it could be repeated throughout the day—anytime and anywhere. My time with God became a continual process of lying down in green pastures!

It wasn’t long into my search for God’s answers to my no-margin living when He interrupted my thoughts: I lay claim to your evening. This holy interruption immediately created a peaceful, settled feeling in my heart. God desired to talk about something more important to Him—and ultimately to me: my day-to-day or rather day-to-night routine. You see, I am what the dictionary and everyone else would describe as nocturnal. I come alive at 10 pm. I like the peace and quiet of my everyone-else-including-the-puppies-are-sleeping house. I treasure and, if truth be told, covet my evening time. It’s in those late-night hours that my unfinished to-do list fades into a compartmentalized Scarlett O’Hara-ish “I’ll think about it tomorrow” place. After all, tomorrow is another day. So when I became more intentional about that time, slowly but surely my zoned-out evenings took on a peace I hadn’t known. I began filling those last hours with things that replenish me: calligraphy, baking, reading, and journaling.

As my conversation with God continued, it was no surprise when He wanted to talk about Sabbath. It was also no surprise how much of a course correction I had to make to obey His commandment. The surprise came as I researched the Jewish mindset about Sabbath. I learned this special, set-apart day is celebrated Friday evening through Saturday evening, but the excitement continues throughout the week. From Wednesday to Friday, you plan and anticipate. Then Sunday to Tuesday you soak in the joy and blessings of this special “keep it holy” day (Exodus 20:8).

With God’s help I’ve moved my spiritual address from one with no margin to one with space for Him to set the rhythm. “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest” (Matthew 11:28, MSG). This invitation is given to you and me. It’s an invitation to be equally yoked to Him and find the sustainable rest only He can provide. His ways are indeed the greener pastures.

PRAYER

Abba, what a good Father You are. Jesus, what a good Shepherd You are. Holy Spirit what a good Teacher You are. Your care for me—body, soul, and spirit—is so evident. Please forgive me for not stewarding my body as I should. I am committed to hearing and obeying Your invitation to daily lie down in green pastures. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

• Does your calendar reflect the rhythm God designed for a healthy body, soul, and spirit?
• Ask God to speak to areas in your life and relationships that are out of order.
• Seek God’s direction for a Sabbath mindset that is a daily rest in Him.
• Thank God for caring and being attentive to every detail of your life.

Holy Spirit, what are You saying to me today?

MEMORY VERSES

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:2–3