The necessity of a restored soul

"The LORD is myShepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.." Psalm 23:1-3a

I love Thursdays! In many ways they are almost sacred to me. They are the one day of the week that I am usually able to stay up the hill in our canyon retreat. Generally they are my day to disconnect from the frenzy of life and simply rest. Certainly there may be a load or two of laundry to do (isn't there always laundry), but for the better part of the day I am simply able to rest. Even as I write this I sigh a deep sigh of contentment because I have chosen to allow myself the day off and not worry over the undone.

When God moved my husband and me up here nearly six years ago, I came rather reluctantly.  Although I had always wanted a place in the country where I could disconnect, the 22 miles of twisting canyon road felt a bit more disconnected than I felt necessary. God in His wisdom knew what I needed most though, and after the first month I realized just how over busy my schedule had become. Although the initial letting go of a few things was difficult, over time I began to genuinely enjoy being less busy.

Busyness had become an evil taskmaster and I was more exhausted than I realized.  It is s beast I continually have to fight. 

Learning to allow myself "down time" wasn't easy. I had erroneously associated my busyness with godliness.  After all, I was busy doing what I thought the Lord wanted me to do. But in all my busyness I had begun to drown out the voice of the Lord that said "Be still and know that I am God."*

Living 22 miles away from my "commitments"  showed me I had lost sight of my true purpose, which is to allow the Lord to lead me - NOT to ask Him to join me in my excursions...no matter how noble I thought they may be.

Having significant time to sit at His feet and rest is paramount to being able to serve Him. A weary soul is not a capable soldier. 

So for me, Thursdays have become that very important day of rest. As I sit here and enjoy the peaceful quiet, and the faint sounds of birds cheerfully singing, I rejoice in knowing how intimately well my Father knows me and Iam thankful. My prayer is that you too will find those places of rest in your own life so that our Lord can restore your soul. 

To Him be the glory forever! 

*Psalm46:10
#thevelveteengrandma