Louise and I really enjoy summer. As we take a-week-or-two break from the work of our calling, we seek God’s renewing Spirit upon our lives and ministry, saturating ourselves with His Word and enjoying His presence.
The second verse of Psalms 23 reminds us of the importance of physically resting—removing ourselves to the “quiet waters” of life where we can “drink in” the peace and comfort of God. Read on to verse three and you’ll notice that it’s only after we have rested and meditated that we can be restored and refreshed. If we have the appropriate time with God to contemplate His majesty and glory, we will experience and notice His goodness and mercy in our lives. And this reminds me of a cute story that is bound to make you smile.
Timmy’s mom loved her five-year-old son very much and worried about him walking to school when he started Kindergarten. She walked him to school the first couple of days. Then he came home one day and told his mother he didn’t want her walking him to school anymore; he wanted to be like the “big boys.” But she wasn’t so sure.
He protested loudly, so she finally got an idea how to handle it. She asked her neighbor, Mrs. Goodnest, if she would surreptitiously follow her son to school—at a distance behind him that he would not likely notice, but close enough to keep a watch on him. Mrs. Goodnest said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.
The next school day, Mrs. Goodnest and her little girl Marcy set out, following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbor boy he knew. She did this for the whole week. As the boys walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy’s friend noticed the lady following them—the same lady who had seemed to follow them all week. Finally, he said to Timmy, “Do you know that lady who’s following us? I think she’s been following us all week.”
Timmy nonchalantly replied, “Yeah, that’s just Shirley Goodnest with her daughter Marcy.”
“Shirley Goodnest? Why is she following us?”
“Well, I’m not exactly sure,” Timmy explained, “but every night my Mom makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers ‘cuz she worries about me so much. And in one part it says, ‘Shirley Goodnest and Marcy shall follow me all the days of my life,’ so I guess we’ll just have to get used to it.” – Author Unknown
As believers we appreciate God’s protection and encouragement. He watches over us. We know that nothing can touch us unless it first passes through the loving hands of our Heavenly Father.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
Personal Application: Meditate on Psalm 23 today and let its message wash over you and encourage you. Share your insights with your spouse or a friend.
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5