Devotionals
Green Pastures
“He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.” (Ps 23:2 BCSB)
Israeli shepherds are usually young teenage girls who tend their flocks in pairs. They know every sheep by name, and they constantly call out to the sheep as they lead their flocks across mountainous desert countryside. The sheep have their heads down, searching for grass, but they listen and follow the voices of their shepherds, who stay in front of the flock. “Green pastures” are rocky, barren hillsides that are moisturized by evening Mediterranean winds. Small tufts of grass grow around each rock…not enough grass for an entire meal, or an entire day, but enough for the next step in the journey…enough to get them to the next bite.
God leads his children just like those shepherd girls. He provides enough nourishment for the next step in the journey; enough sustenance to get us through our current circumstances. The apostle Paul called that, “grace to help us at the proper time.” (Heb. 4:16 HCSB). A rabbi once said, “worry is dealing with tomorrow’s problems on today’s pasture.” God will give what we need for NOW, and when we get to LATER, He will provide for those needs then.
I often pray, “ Father, I don’t need a lot. Just give me enough.” And He always does.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for providing everything that I need for today, and I know that when tomorrow comes, You will have enough provision to meet that need as well.
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