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Listen while you read: "The Lord's My Shepherd"1 (Lyrics) |
Psalm 23:2-3a – He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (NIV)
Living in a tiny, remote, northern community requires that we travel a minimum of two hours each way to the closest city in order to access many vital services that our small town is unable to provide. We normally make this trip twice a month regardless of the weather. For some, it is a trip that they dread. For me, however, it is one which I usually look forward to, as it is my green pastures and quiet waters.
Driving along for miles on end, seldom meeting another vehicle, as the road loops through the mountains and valleys, beside vast lakes and flowing streams, gives me a sense of treasured, peaceful solitude. And when traversed on a dark and starry winter's eve — the empty road nothing more than a silent ribbon amidst a sea of sparkling white, and silver-laden pines — my soul finds its healing and restoration as the distance between heaven and earth seems to disappear amidst the glory of God's creation and presence.
Yes, that two-hour trip is my green pastures and quiet waters, but what about you? Have you discovered where your green pastures and quiet waters are, and if so, do you treasure them within your heart and visit them often enough so that your soul finds its healing and restoration on a regular basis amidst this world's frantic busyness? Or have you let them slip away, and in turn, find yourself harassed, discouraged, and depressed? If this is the case, then perhaps, today is the day to renew those precious visits.
If for some reason you have not yet discovered your green pastures and quiet waters, maybe today is the day that you will. For God has said:
Matthew 7:7-8 – Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (NIV)
Prayer: Father God, thank You that with You as our shepherd, we shall lack nothing. Thank You that it is You Who makes us to lie down in green pastures, Who leads us beside quiet waters, and Who restores our souls. May we as Your children listen and heed Your voice that we might know and find and treasure the green pastures and still waters that You seek to bless us with amidst the busyness of this frantic world. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Inspiring as always Lynne.
Thank you as always, Lynne.
Good thought Lynne,
Definitely one for me!
Hey Lynne I always enjoy your little homilies but todays was BEST ONE for me. A wonderful message. Thank you so much.
Lynne – what a beautiful devotional! For now, my green pastures seems to be right in my own backyard as I enjoy being out there while the weather is nice. Thank you for sharing these comforting thoughts.
Blessings.
Beautiful. My BP dropped just reading your message.
I try to imagine the beauty of where you live; I too, find peace in the surroundings crafted by our wonderful God.
Be blessed, Lynne, I love your descriptive writing – always.
Just Beautiful! I’m sure as I did others quickly reflected on where they considered their, “green pastures and still waters”, AND where they restore their soul with God’s protecting help.
Keep writing.
Love and blessings.
Dear Lynne;
I just loved reading your devotional. Your description of the two hour drive was wonderful; it was as if I were there beside you enjoying the scenery and solitude as well. And with all that beauty surrounding us, we have no other option but to praise our Creator. Amen to your prayer. Beautifully written.
Hi Lynne,
Sixteen years ago we moved from a large city to rural Texas, and we feel much the same way as you about the restorative nature of this small place. We feel blessed and hope that in turn we can share the blessings with those around us. BUT, we live closer than a two hour drive to stores, etc.
Thanks for this devotional that reminds us how to appreciate green pastures and quiet waters.
(Texas)
Dear Lynne,
I’m glad about your green pastures and quiet waters.
But I pray that you’ll never venture out on that road if there is any danger of being caught in a blizzard.
Thank you for the devotional. My green pastures are especially in the writing of devotionals … and it appears yours are there too as well as in your travels.
Keep writing and traveling safely.
Good morning Lynne!
I just read the devotional that you wrote – Green Pastures, Quiet Waters. “my soul finds its healing and restoration as the distance between heaven and earth seems to disappear amidst the glory of God’s creation and presence.”
This particularly touched me as I remember the beauty of the star filled sky of Northern Ontario and just recently the beautiful trees against a perfectly clear blue Summer sky!
What an Awesome, Mighty GOD we serve. He gives me rest, He restores my soul!
Thank you Lynne, your descriptive writing is beautiful. Looking forward to more of you devotions.
Thanks Lynne. Another great teaching. I can see the picture you painted and feel the stillness and peace as you drive along the roads. Very good writing. As always. I heard someone say that Heaven is just above British Columbia. And I can believe this as I have been there quite a few times. God bless you, Lynne.
Hi Lynne
What a beautiful description of the drive from Atlin. I once drove the Icefields parkway on a moonlit December night. It was so amazing! So I understand the stillness and calming effect of such vast beauty.
It can be hard to capture these moments in the busyness of life. For me it is first thing in the morning before others are up and the day’s activities begin. I have recently been in the Swiss alps (more majesty!) but busy times, and it can be hard to keep the home routines when away.
I should cut back on some commitments, to lessen my busyness. I am a ‘doer’ but also seek to be at the Lord’s feet. Aiming to be a ‘Martha’ with a ‘Mary’ heart.
(BC)