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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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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