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The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
(Psalm 23:1–3)
The women sit in a circle around the table. Some are young moms who have just dropped their children off in the nursery. Others are retired grandmas who have transitioned to a new season. Every age and stage of life is represented. Together we’re getting ready to begin a weekly study.
Before we start, the leader says, “Let’s go around the group and everyone share how they’re feeling this morning in one word.” The universal answer: tired.
That happened years ago, and yet I still often think of the answer those women gave that morning. I remember it when I get together with a group of friends and we talk about our busy schedules. I recall it when I look at social media updates. I ponder it when I watch TV and see the hectic pace our world asks us to keep.
A full schedule and an empty heart is a sure sign that it’s time to draw closer to the Shepherd again. He’s promised that you will lack nothing. What are you holding on to out of fear? What is not bringing real nourishment in your life? Where do you need to stop striving and instead begin trusting again?
Our Shepherd knows this about sheep: they’re prone to stray. They don’t even mean to do so a lot of the time. They get distracted by what looks good and can end up taking a long walk that wears them out.
If that’s happened to you, it’s okay to ask the Shepherd to come get you and bring you home.
Tell Him your heart is hungry and thirsty.
Tell Him you need to lie down (yes, go take a nap!).
Tell Him your soul needs to be restored.
You’re not going to be in trouble. Shepherds understand sheep. Yours already knows where you are and what you’ve been through, and it brings Him joy to care for you.
XOXO
Holley Gerth
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Thank you of the gentle nudge back into the Shepherd’s arms. I am tired and weary and in much need of rest.
Holley – this past summer has been the most challenging and difficult season of my life. Your books – especially “Under God’s Umbrella” – have provided so much comfort and encouragement to me. As this sad season in my life continues, I remain encouraged by the words and reminders of you and so many other wonderful women.
Holley,
Your newest book recently arrived in the mail…good stuff!! I feel so guilty sometimes taking naps, but like you said, the shepherd knows what we need and it isn’t a sin to take a little down time if He provides it. God is so full of grace and mercy with us…I’m learning to extend that same grace to myself. Thanks so much for the reminder this morning!!
Blessings,
Bev
Thank you so much for this encouragement Holley! I have been so restless lately and this was like a warm touch of the hand to my heart. Absolute peace. Thank you
I feel tired, weary & stuck. My business has slowed right now after a busy summer but I feel that I have no energy or REAL meaning to my life. Feel depressed as well
Thank you for reminding me that it brings Him joy to care for me. This tired mama needed to hear that this morning. He already knows and longs to gather us in. I am resting in that visual today.
Thank you so much for these meaningful thoughts you have shared. I really like the picture at the top, too. It made me smile.
The most meaningful part for me is: “A full schedule and an empty heart is a sure sign that it’s time to draw closer to the Shepherd again. He’s promised that you will lack nothing. What are you holding on to out of fear? What is not bringing real nourishment in your life? Where do you need to stop striving and instead begin trusting again?”
While I am not a really busy person, it made me wonder if am I holding on to some areas of serving out of fear, and are they bringing real nourishment to my life? Whew! There is one particular relationship with which I struggle, and these questions struck me in regard to this relationship.
Thanks Holley. God continue to bless you richly!
Right now I feel the weight of my straying from the Shepherd, so thank you for this comforting reminder to start the work week off right. So amazed by his steadfast love!
Thank you Holly! I need this devotion this morning.
Yes… Rest.
I don’t listen to my physical needs for rest until I’ve hit a wall and caught every germ my grands are wanting to share…
Yes. Rest. I accept the invitation and will abide in His rest this week…
Thanks for the reminder, command, permission…
Great posts! I feel like we proudly wear busyness and tiredness as a banner, when that is so not what God desires for us.
This: “A full schedule and an empty heart is a sure sign that it’s time to draw closer to the Shepherd again.”
Amen and amen.
I am very tired and weary and have lost motivation to do what I like anymore. My marriage of 15 years has been thru a lot. Financially we have been thru so much it’s been very difficult for us. I don’t socialize anymore and don’t have many friends only aquatinces. I also don’t have much support from my family or in laws. I feel I’m so lonely and having to do everything on my own most of the time since my husbabd works late hours. It’s very over bearing and I would like and could use some advice or encouragement.
Praying for you, Grisela. My heart goes out to you.
Thank you for permission to rest… even on a Monday. How often I think of Monday as my day to gear up and go hard. Yet, I’m exhausted today after a not-so-restful weekend. The reminder, and dare I say it… permission, to rest in the Lord’s provision reached me at a perfect time today.
I so like the sheep analogy Holley 🙂
Such grace extended to us in this message, I am grateful for God’s mercy and thankful for you.
To Grisela, sorry for the hard times & how you feel. Things will get better. Read Ephesians 3:16-18. Sometimes it helps just to go moment by moment and try to do something different. Buy yourself a $4 bunch of flowers – take a walk- make some part of your house look nicer, make 1 goal to work towards, call someone you trust, plan and save for a “vacation”. “Safe People” is a good book to read that helps with reaching out to others. Mostly, talk to someone if you are depressed. Write down 3 things you are thankful for every day. Praying for a good day for you!
And THIS has me in tears…”You’re not going to be in trouble. Shepherds understand sheep. Yours already knows where you are and what you’ve been through, and it brings Him joy to care.”
I think it’s the one thing I battle most; feeling like I’m “in trouble” with God. Or He’s mad at me. (old “stuff” from childhood)
Your post finds me pressing in closer, wanting more of God, more understanding of His character and His vast, unfailing love for me. Thank you friend. <3
Thank you. Just what I needed today.
Thanks so much for being here, friends! So glad we can help each other have permission to rest. Whew.
“Tired” or “busy” seem to be the universal answers when I get together with friends. I want to learn more about rest and what that truly means. I suppose it starts with giving myself permission!
Thanks for the gentle nudge!! Seems the past 2 yrs. I have been bumping into “rest” everywhere I turn. I believe it is a Divine Echo as Margaret Feinberg calls it. I guess I still have lots to learn
I’ve had a crazy week with long work hours 7 days in a row. I worked from 8 am till about 10 pm. I knew it was just a season of a week but it causes me to be exhausted now. I am TIRED. I rested as much as I could this weekend but it’s not enough. Tomorrow I’ll be flying out to travel with my husband and his parents. I need some grace and I will try and meet with my Heavenly Father as I travel the next week.
I always know that when I am weary (and cranky!), it is time to rest at His feet! As women who work hard to serve our families, we need a constant reminder to be Marys as much as we are Marthas. Thank you!
Love you Holley.
Holley,
I do not feel guilty for resting. After busy weeks at work and dealing with my aging father I. NEED. REST. I get so worn out driving to work, being busy, errands and this week Bible study starts on Tuesday. WHEW! All this and I don’t have children.
Sometimes I feel like life is spinning out of control with no end in sight. But Praise God–He knew my hubby and I needed rest and gave us a vacation last week to the beach. It was so nice to sleep in and just walk around and not have to rush anywhere or worry about phone ringing!
Blessings 🙂
God bless you, Holly!
Praise God he’s an understanding Shepherd! Thank you, Holley, for the little push toward trusting him more and striving on our own less. I also sat up a little straighter as I read that it brings God JOY to care for us. That alone is such a spirit-lifter!
Oh Wow! Holley, you hit the nail on the head. Wandering sheep, running in fear, instead of into the arm of the Lord! Thank you for the reminder to crawl up in the Savior’s lap and rest in Him. Life will keep going without me running with it, I just need to get off of the roller coaster and sup with the Savior. Thank you, Lord, for your pursuit of me!