We all need some time to ourselves, and by early May, I was at a point that it was no longer a nice wish, but a need. My grandmother passed away in April, and the weeks that followed were so much more difficult than I could have ever imagined. By the end of April, I told my husband, “I know we need some time for us, but I need time for me.” My husband knew how difficult Gran’s passing was, so he said, “Go.”
Driving by myself is one of my favorite times to pray. It’s uninterrupted time and I talk to God like He is physically sitting there beside me. I cried nearly the entire drive and poured my heart out to Him.
I had rented a little cottage on a farm. The proprietors grew fruits and vegetables, and raised sheep. When I got settled, I asked God to show me a word for the weekend. He showed me: Psalm 23.
I have to be honest; I was a little freaked out at first. Psalm 23 is also known as “the Psalm they always read at funerals.” Was this a sign about my own mortality? Yes, my imagination runs wild some times. But then I read it, line by line.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
I had definitely been walking through the valley of the shadow of death. I realized for the first time that this verse does not necessarily mean my own death, but it also applies for the passing of those we love. Even during the most difficult times in our lives, God is there, wanting to comfort us.
As women, we have many roles to play: wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, employee, volunteer, the list could go on and on. Our lives are so busy, even Sundays are no longer a day of rest, but rather a day of going to church or visiting family and friends, and by the end of the day, you’re just happy to be home so you can go to bed. What if we slowed down a bit? What if we changed things and didn’t spend most of our time in our cars on Sundays? What if we really spent Sundays as the Sabbath?
Most of us keep going until we either hit a wall or face a crisis, and only then do we slow down, which is exactly what we should do in those situations. We need to be gentle with ourselves during those seasons. I think that is what God was showing me during my weekend away. But I don’t think the lesson is just for this season, either. I think God is saying that He wants to spend quiet time with us. He wants us to rest in Him. Like sheep, we need to spend time with the Shepherd to be fed, to be cared for and to be made ready to join the rest of the flock.
Are you resting in the Lord? If life is too busy, I encourage you to take some time to read Psalm 23 and ask God to show you how to take time out to rest.
By Aimee, a WVGurl
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Kathy @ In Quiet Places says
The best rest is before Him, being still, and knowing Him, knowing He is God, there is nothing that restores the soul more than that! Thanks for reminding us to choose to take the time to do this more in our busy lives and to recognize our need for rest only He can give.
Aimee says
Kathy, you’re right. There is a rest that only God can give. I’m so glad this post encouraged you.
Kimberly Dial says
Thank you. I will make it a point to re-read Psalms 23. After reading your post, I feel certain I will ‘see’ the passage in an entirely different light. Thanks again 🙂
Aimee says
Kimberly, I would encourage you to read a book by Max Lucado called “Traveling Light.” It really changed my outlook on Psalm 23, but this experience refreshed my view on it, too. God bless!
Rosa Marie Walls Tilley says
Aimee, that was such a blessing. Been a rough couple of months for me and God knew I needed to hear the very same words. So glad Pam reposted this on Facebook.
Aimee says
Rosa, I’m so glad you were blessed by this! You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry you’ve been through so much. So many people are going through difficult times this year. God bless!
julie moore says
Psalms 23 is one of my childhood favorites that has stuck with me my whole life. Although for most of that time it was a rote set of verses memorized in order to get a star it now has so much more meaning for me. He IS MY shepherd! He is mine personally and He never allows me to want. He gives His rest and when I will allow myself to dwell in Him that rest gives me the peace and joy I so want to consume my life. Thank you for bringing back to me these beautiful scripture verses.
Aimee says
Thank you for stopping by! You’re right; he’s your shepherd, and he’s mine too! How neat that He can relate to each and every one of us so personally. It’s just amazing that though there are countless numbers of us, He knows us by name, and knows even the numbers of hairs on our heads. Incredible, amazing love.
For The Name says
I am needing to feel God.
Aimee says
Dear Friend,
I hope you can begin to feel God, this very moment. I encourage you to take some time to pray and ask God to come into your heart and fill you. Ask Him to be present in your life in real ways. Dig into His word and ask Him to show you a word for the day. I pray you begin to feel His presence, today.
Much love & prayers.
Betty Draper says
oh sweet rest is what my soul cries out for…time to reflect on the future but more important the present things God wants to teach me now before He takes us on to the next stage. My plan is to take your advice and retreat to my favorite place, my bed and bask in several of the Psalms that have given me great comfort and peace before. I long for this rest and I know it’s coming for He has promised it. thanks you for reminded me.