In a series of upcoming posts, I am extending an invitation to 40 Days in the Shade of God’s Care. I hope this rejuvenating journey brings new dimensions of refreshment and joy to your soul.
Day 1 – The Key to Refresh Your Weary Soul
Psalm 1
Oh, the joys of those who …delight in the law of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
and they prosper in all they do.
Life can feel a little overwhelming at times. Sometimes it abounds with more problems than solutions. Often, the abundance of opportunity or responsibility causes exhaustion. If you’ve felt that way a time or two, I invite you to pause, to ponder this Psalm. The song-writer compares our life to a tree. We can’t determine everything about its growth cycle, but we can determine the landscape where its rooted.
Life’s demands often prohibit the vital flow of nourishment from our roots, through the trunk, and out to the various branches of our life as a mom, a wife, a professional, a chef by night, taxi driver by day, an entrepreneur, creative thinker, fitness enthusiast, etc. The curled leaves on these branches are evidence of our thirst for something more.
Take courage, my friend. Jesus extends a generous invitation to river-side living—where roots drink long and often, carrying supply into the various branches of our being. That nourishment reaches the numerous affairs of any given day. How do we discover this cool-water living? It is the result of our eagerness to allow God’s word to speak, to become a river of supply into the deepest parts of our life. God offers more refreshment than we can imagine. He desires our life to produce delicious fruit that weighs the branches low with its glory.
I’ve felt overwhelmed with the heavy weight of change in my life; change that impacts every branch and threatens each leaf on my tree. At one point of uncertainty, Jesus led me to this Psalm and reminded me of His invitation: DRINK! Like a tree planted by the water, I began to sip the cool water while I pondered the words of the next verse in Psalm 1.
For the LORD watches over the path of the godly…
God assured me: You are not alone. I am going before you and grooming a trail designed by my wisdom, for my glory—resulting in your delight. You have nothing to fear. I will lead you every step of the way.
Eventually, my leaves responded to His promise. His assurance flowed into every detail of my new reality.
Do you feel weary—or withered? I invite you to plant your tree on the river’s edge of His Word—and drink. I would suggest pondering a favorite verse or a familiar Psalm. Inhale deeply in the assurance of His promise:
Oh, the joys for those who will drink!
Patty, thank you for reminding me that all I really need to do is go to Him. When life is scary or the task before me seems impossible my hope is in Christ alone. I can go to my God and King and He will comfort me, He will quench my dryness, He will carry me. Hallelujah.
Barbara
…and He will accomplish His purposes in and through you… Thank you for modeling courage and dependency on him even when mountains stand before us!
Hi Patty,
We do not know each other personally but I will be listening to the 40 Days in the Shade of God’s Care. I lost my husband of 40 years 9 weeks ago from a long battle with terminal cancer. He fought it
for over 3 1/2 years as he so loved life and Jesus and he did not want to leave me alone without him
as he was my soulmate, my love, my life. It has been so hard to go on each day without him. I force myself to get out of bed, to make sure to eat, to take a walk along the water as it is therapeutic and to reflect and pray to God for strength to get through each day. I know I have to go through the grieving process and it will just take time, but I also know I am not alone, that God is always with me and he will never leave me. I cry a lot, but Pastor Rodney has told me that crying is good and you need to cry. I am counseling weekly as I was on the verge of PTSD as I tried to save my husband after I called 911 and also I start the grief series with Joanie Dwyer in May. I am pulling all my tools out of my toolbox and trying to use as many of them as I can, to get to a new normal. Thank you again for this series. God’s Blessings, Angela Cromer
Dear Angela, Your courage to press forward in this difficult season is riveting. Thank you for sharing during a season of deep pain. I pray that Jesus would meet you moment by moment with the grace needed to carry your feet to the next step, followed by the next step, etc. until you find yourself in a place of purpose and joy. He will never leave you or forsake you on this dark pathway!
Thank you for being such a beautiful open vessel for the Lord! This couldn’t be more timely!
Gods perfect timing!
Many blessings Patty!!
Adrien, I marvel at God’s timeliness in our lives. I know he would continue to meet you right where you’re at!
I would like to continue this area, it speaks to me as I am going through what you are speaking of, is this through media? Or classes to learn by?
Leiane, I am thrilled to take this journey with you. I will continue to unpack various aspects of God’s care through brief Monday morning devotionals. It will not be in a class form at this point.
What a refreshing drink of water we are offered from the Lord. Thanks for delivering His message Patty. I have been overwhelmed lately and “the tree” is a symbol of God I relate so well to and I know I need to be rooted in His word so I can branch out and bear His goodness (fruit).
You are blessing Patty. Thank you God for ALWAYS being there and reminding me to come to you with everything.
Oh Carrie, I pray that he would extend your branches in the directions that accomplish His purposes in you, by His refueling strength and for His mighty glory!
Thank you for allowIng our Father to use you in such a mighty way! The timing of His perfect word amazes me.
I so appreciate the reminder that pools of blessings surround me every moment of everyday even when I am to tired to notice it.
God is so so so good!
Terri Ashburn
I am so grateful for His timing, Terri. I pray that He would open our eyes to see that water is nearby even during those times we feel so dry and discouraged.
You have no idea how much I needed this today. Struggling with job issues I came home early, praying on the drive home for guidance due to so much disappointment, wondering “Where Lord am I supposed to be that will most touch others?” My excitement and motivation for growth in my job, crushed in an instant. I turn to God, and will continue to wait for guidance. I will dry my tears and pray and drink from HIS WORD! Thank you Patty!!
Oh Teresa, God knew exactly what you needed. He is so timely in our lives. I pray you sense his continual leading and care throughout your day!
Patty thank you for this invitation. My journey of recovery from a disease of compulsive eating had been an Up and down and more curves than I would want. But I persevere for I know God’s plan and His Will is far better than mine. When my disease attacks my mind, I recite God’s scripture. Lately it had bedmate Ps 241:8. I am in awe of the wonder of trees surrounding our beautiful city. God bless
Oops. I meant to say. Lately it had been Ps 141:8
Lillian, Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing about God’s grace in an area so many women can relate to. You are a testament to God’s power at work within our weakness!
Thank you Patty… I love the messages you send and I love your inspiration of you heart.
Thank you Jane. I pray they are a source of encouragement and refreshment from the Father to your soul.