This was part of a self-counseling project I did last year for a class at CCEF. It is an example of how God speaks into my life through His Word. I love how He used a very familiar Psalm to ask me some very good questions. God's questions really make me think.
The Lord is my shepherd;
(Will you let Me guide you?)
I shall not want.
(Will you be satisfied with where I lead?)
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
(Will you rest there or will you remain on
the hunt for greener pastures?)
He leads me beside still waters.
(Will you enjoy the refreshment I provide and
be grateful for it?)
He restores my soul.
(Will you be still and let Me?)
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s
sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil,
(You are mine. You bear my name.)
For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they
comfort me.
(Always!)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my
enemies;
(Will you let Me take care of you?)
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
(Are you recognizing these blessings?)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of
my life,
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(What more could you
possibly want?)
God
speaks and my mind answers these questions with Yes, Yes, and a thousand times
more, Yes! My heart agrees and then sets
up expectations of how it wants to be shepherded. Undoubtedly, God looks down on me and shakes
His head. I keep having to learn the
same lessons time and time again.
I
like to be in control. I like to be in
charge. I want to be busy and active,
not lying down near still waters. Before
God can shepherd me, I have to give up these things. Rest, peace, be still – this is where I will find true contentment.