Lying with the shepherd
An “experiment” from Jan Johnson, out of the book Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice <http://www.amazon.com/Renovation-Heart-Daily-Practice-Transformation/dp/1576838099/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263319822&sr=8-1> , co-authored with Dallas Willard:
Quiet yourself and try to truly believe the ideas in Psalm 23:1-3 <http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2023&version=NIV> . Picture this sheep who is surrounded by green pastures yet isn’t on his feet munching way. This sheep is so full and satisfied that he contentedly lies down without needing even a bite. Move through the verses in a way such as this (fill in the blanks with details from your life): Maybe the Lord really is my shepherd today. Perhaps I really do have everything I need, even when it comes to __________________. The Lord will provide me green pastures, even though I may not recognize them at first. I may think that what I need is missing, but it will be there. I’ll figure that out faster if I rest (Lie down) in God. The still waters are there for me to drink form any minute I need them. In certain events today, such as _______________, I may need them frequently.
God is restoring my broken soul today. It is healthier than ever. When I become confused today, God will guide me in the right path. Again, I may not recognize it until later, but I can trust God’s name, God’s presence, and God’s power in my life today.
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Quiet yourself and try to truly believe the ideas in Psalm 23:1-3 <http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2023&version=NIV> . Picture this sheep who is surrounded by green pastures yet isn’t on his feet munching way. This sheep is so full and satisfied that he contentedly lies down without needing even a bite. Move through the verses in a way such as this (fill in the blanks with details from your life): Maybe the Lord really is my shepherd today. Perhaps I really do have everything I need, even when it comes to __________________. The Lord will provide me green pastures, even though I may not recognize them at first. I may think that what I need is missing, but it will be there. I’ll figure that out faster if I rest (Lie down) in God. The still waters are there for me to drink form any minute I need them. In certain events today, such as _______________, I may need them frequently.
God is restoring my broken soul today. It is healthier than ever. When I become confused today, God will guide me in the right path. Again, I may not recognize it until later, but I can trust God’s name, God’s presence, and God’s power in my life today.
Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
posted by Pam Chun at 8:24 AM
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