Alwaysnforeva daily inspiration
05th September 2017
It is impossible for sheep to lie down unless four requirements are met; they have to be free of all fear, tension from others of their kind, free of all aggravations like flies, parasites, dogs, coyotes, cougars, bears and free of all hunger. We are aware that it is only the shepherd who can free them from all these anxieties.
There’s no substitute for the keen awareness that Christ is always nearby, his presence dispels fear, panic and the terror of the unknown. He changes the whole outlook with an assurance of hope. In scripture, the Holy Spirit is symbolized by oil by that which brings healing, comfort, relief, quietness, serenity, strength, and calmness in the face of frustrations.
Sheep are also known flourish best in dry semi-arid areas. For example in Palestine where David wrote this psalm is a dry brown sunburned wasteland. Green pastures did not just happen by chance; they were a product of tremendous labor, time and skill in land use.
This is exactly how Christ works to clear the rocks of our stony unbelief, how he tries to tear out the roots of bitterness, how he attempts to break up the hard, proud human heart, how he sows the seed of his precious word, how he then waters this with the dews and rain of his own presence by the Holy Spirit.
It is of more than passing significance to observe that those who are often the most serene, most confident and able to cope with life’s complexities are those who rise early each day and feed on God’s word.
It is in the quiet early hours of the morning that they are led beside the quiet, still waters where they imbibe the very life of Christ for the day. The quiet time of each morning where the still dew of the Holy Spirit can be dropped into their life and soul. This leads to an abundant life of joy, victory and contentment for his people.
Lord we thank you because fixing our eyes on you is a place of peace. You strengthen those who are weak and heal those who are injured. You search for all those who are lost and look after them. We thank you because you have not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind.
dina@alwaysnforeva.wordpress.com
Inspired by,
The word of God,
The sword of the spirit
Psalm 23:2 (NIV)
He makes me lie down in green pastures, and leads me beside quiet waters.
2Timothy 1:7(KJV)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Dina Waliggo 