Letting Him be my Shepherd

Yesterday I mentioned that I will be reading and praying through Candace Crabtree’s Wait Only Upon God this Lenten season.

This morning’s devotional featured Psalm 23, the one where we are to recognize that He is our shepherd, that He guides us, and that accepting those things can bring us peace.

Candace provides a prayer today that truly personalizes the 23rd Psalm. It reminded me that I really do need to slow down and breathe Him in.

He really is my shepherd. He really will guide me to still waters and allow me to lay down in green pastures… if I chose to listen and follow.

I have to make that choice to listen and be guided. If I do, my life can be so much better. It can be more peaceful and it can be more focused– yes, at the same time. and yes,  guided by HIM.

Life is so so hectic for me. I am traveling so much for VineSleuth/ Wine4.Me. I have three young children who are amazing and keep my busy, too. Thankfully, my husband is  a true teammate who sees parenting and housekeeping as jobs for both of us equally, especially since launching my business. Even with his help, though, I often feel as though I am treading water between bursts of productivity. Those bursts are exciting, but those treading water times wear me out.

I need to remember to lean on Him (Him as in God, the Holy Spirit, my Father… not just my husband) always. I need to make time for Him as He always makes time for me. He is there, waiting. He wants to guide me.

I am planning to print and carry the 23rd Psalm with me for at least today and read it at stop lights and while waiting in the car pick up line and before I dash out the door or make phone calls. I will set it on the kitchen counter when I am in the kitchen and basically just keep it out all day long so I cannot forget to look at at and think of Him.

Do you need a bit of rest and guidance, too? He/s there to help all of us. We just need to ask. And listen.

Here is Psalm 23: 1-3 to get you started, in the event you want to join me:

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.

Ahhhh. Now doesn’t that sound refreshing?