Daily Devotional
Do You Need to De-Stress?
“…In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength…"
Isaiah 30:15
October 21, 2020
Ponder This
So many folks I know are all stressed up with nowhere to go. You're tense and frenetic, running around so busy, in a hurry, afraid to be still. God wants His people to learn how to get quiet, to lie down in green pastures, and to drink from still waters.
Listen to this: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). You say, “How can I do that? The world is closing in on me! I need help!” “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
It’s time to look to your Shepherd, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The composer Bach wrote an anthem, “God My Shepherd Walks Beside Me.” In Psalm 23 we have a portrait of who our Shepherd is: compassionate and caring. “…He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom…” (Isaiah 40:11). When I was a lamb, thank God, He carried me. If He hadn’t, I never would have made it. He is the courageous Shepherd. “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Your good shepherd fights for you, His sheep.
Practice This
When you are stressed, pause, and remember this. Breathe deeply of the presence of God. Read Psalm 23 today. Allow His Spirit to lead you beside still waters. He has promised, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrew 13:5). Memorize Hebrews 13:5 and Psalm 145:18, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” There is nothing in your life that your Shepherd cannot handle.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
