Graze: To feed on growing grasses.



The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

New Diet

After starting a new diet, I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed, “Lord, it is up to You. If you want me to have any of those delicious baked goods, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.”

. . . and sure enough, God answered my prayer!!! On the eighth time round the block, there it was! LOL!!

You know we laugh at that, but I think back to the many times I have said, "Lord, it is up to You!"  And then I kept driving around the block again and again until I got what I thought I needed or wanted!!  Have you ever done that?  Like a little child begging and begging until a frustrated mom gives in to the begging.  Does God get frustrated at me when I tell Him it's up to Him and then I just keep on driving around the block?

Trust is such a powerful word. Do I trust God enough to say and really mean . . . it's up to You, God???  He who knows all, sees all, and even knows what is in my heart and mind! Sounds like a "no-brainer" - why would I not put my trust in a God that created and knows ALL things. He knows me from the inside out! So why does my trust waver sometimes?  Yes, I am human, I do get over-worked, over-stressed, and over-whelmed at times in the things that press in on me, but God really wants me to stop and say . . . it's up to You, God!!  Lord, help me trust You more and me less!!

Power Verses:

 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths".  -Proverbs 3:5,6  

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."      -I Peter 5:7

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass".  Psalm 37:5

"Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust".  Psalm 40:4

"They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever".   -Psalm 125:1
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