Lift Your Spirit

Who among us could use a great big reset? If I had one (that actually worked) I’d give it the biggest “push” with every fiber in me. I certainly could use some reclaimed time … or at least, some redeemed moments …

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
³     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even 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.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. Psalm 23 ESV

I am not asking to re-live bad events with the hopes of making them better. Knowing myself all too well, I’d likely just make different poor choices or equally bad decisions. My vote is to leave the past right where it is.

But moving forward, I have the opportunity to live with fewer regrets, with the full knowledge that I did my best based on the truths by which I know to be no match for GOD’s Omniscience. Letting Him be Lord (in addition to being my Savior) — now, that’s where it makes the big difference.

The Shepherd leads His own. They know Him so well, they can distinguish His Voice amidst all the chatter and chaos that hovers all around them. When He calls their name, they do not hesitate or second guess the sound of His Voice. They run to Him.

This loving Shepherd cares for His sheep because they belong to Him. He is protective over each one of them. If one begins to lose its way and gets lost, He rushes out to retrieve it. Not one is out of His sight. Each one is equally important.

In His care, they are completely safe, well fed and kept from harm. In fact, He leads them along a path that encourages them to take regular rest so they can be refreshed.

“Who Shepherds you today, Sister?”

Left to my own devices, I would probably neglect the rest and run my wooly self into the river or into the woods. Because my human nature just gets distracted. I may be good for a few milliseconds, but truthfully, I’m no good independent of the Good Shepherd. I need Him to guide me and restore my soul.

I invite you to just meditate on that today. Perhaps this is an opportunity to turn around and see the Good Shepherd waiting for you to respond — as He calls you by. name. I’m sure the reset button would pale by comparison.

I love you to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~

LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary

*Thank you to Rick Pino and Abbie Gamboa for this.