Blessings on this Sunday morning. As I sit here this
morning, cozy on my couch, sipping coffee with my essential oils diffusing, I
find myself remarkably grateful. It is my habit to give thanks but I don’t know
that I fully embrace the attitude of gratitude, if you will. I call myself “The
Joy Coach”, but I don’t always feel the joy. And truth be told, last year felt
like hell to me. Even so, I continued to give thanks and trust that God was
doing something I couldn’t or didn’t understand. And though the steps forward
were hard to even recognize at times, I did keep moving forward, one,
literally, painful step at a time.
But on this day, this blessedly ordinary day, I am grateful.
Filled with thanks. AWARE and alive. I can see the work God has done through my
pain, both emotional and physical, and frankly, I’m a bit awestruck. He’s
turned my mourning into dancing and He’s given me a new song in my mouth.
This morning, as I sit in the still and quiet, while it is
still dark outside, aware of little beyond my immediate breathing and the gentle
hum of my house, I began to reflect somewhat on the 23rd Psalm. This
Psalm is used to comfort the grieving and yes, I have found enormous comfort in
it. But this morning was different. There is no sadness in my soul. As I was
praying, I was simply aware of some things that moved my spirit.
The first was that God has led me beside the still waters.
It’s been said that sheep won’t drink from turbulent waters – and who can blame
them! – they need still water to drink. Throughout Scripture we are referred to
as sheep and Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd. (John 10) At this place in
my life, after a season of considerable grief, I am suddenly aware that I am
beside the still water. I can drink and be replenished and it’s good. Thank
you, Jesus.
Next, I realize that Jesus has made me to lie down in green
pastures. I can rest! And there is plenty of provision. Jesus not only led me
beside the still water, but also made me to lie down in green pastures. I can
eat and drink and rest. No striving. It occurs to me that after my long,
tiresome journey, He was indeed restoring my soul. When I set my eyes fully on
Jesus and followed His lead, I had all I needed. I didn’t have to grow the
grass, or calm the water. I didn’t even have to find the way on my own – He led
me. <3
What great joy this Sunday morning to be able to rest in Jesus.
To be able to trust His leading. There is gratitude. There is joy. And there is
a peace that passes all understanding. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness,
patience and goodness.
