“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3).
I memorized the 23rd Psalm as a girl, and on my darkest of days, the words return to me as a prayer, refreshing my soul. It overwhelms me to think that the God who spoke the universe into being, knows my every need. Nothing satisfies my longings as Jesus, my Good Shepherd does. I can say that because I’ve loved shopping all my life. I learned that the possessions, great or small, do not fill the void in my life.
When emptiness and anxiety come as unwanted guests, it is not the stuff money buys that brings me relief. It is the rest and restoration I find in God’s beautiful creation–as if I hear Him whisper in the breeze on a walk in the forest or along a mountain stream. His peace, the peace that passes understanding, calms my anxious thoughts.
THINK ABOUT IT
God created the universe, every plant, every animal. He created you and me. He is willing and able to provide all our needs. It seems kind of foolish to look to someone or something else to satisfy our deepest longings. God loves and cares for us more than we can dream or imagine. His mercies and compassions are inexhaustible–new every morning.
PRAY ABOUT IT
Lord of all, we come to you with our emptiness and anxiety. You promised to fill those who hunger and thirst for more of you. Lord, fill us up so we won’t want for anything except your presence, your love and fellowship. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tell Me the Story 