Restored

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 23^rd 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.