Psalms 23 - looking back....

The Lord is my Shepherd
That's Relationship!

I shall not want
That's Supply

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters.
That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul
That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness.
That's Guidance!

For His name sake
That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
That's Testing!

I will fear no evil.
That's Protection!

For Thou art with me
That's Faithfulness

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me,
That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
That's Hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil,
That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over.
That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord.
That's Security!

Forever.
That's Eternity!

Source: Anonymous

Rest in the Lord

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: - Psalms 37:7

Recently, a large freighter was reported driven aground during a fierce storm. When the gale winds subsided, rescuers went to the stranded vessel's aid and tried to free it. First, they tried to push the ship off the sandbar. When that didn't work, they attempted to pull it off. Finally, they removed some of its cargo, hoping that by lightening the load, the ship would float free. Nothing worked.

"There's only one thing left to do," said one of the shiphands. "Wait for the tide to come in." They did and the natural action of the sea freed the ship from its bondage.

Sometimes we become bound by uncomfortable circumstances such as sickness, financial difficulty or job complications, and we long for quick release, instant release. We try all sorts of freeing maneuvers in hopes of lightening our load. We implore God to intervene, but time is often the healer. His answer--difficult though it may be to accept--seems to be "wait."

When we accept His timetable, however, a natural action takes place. Like the tide which freed the great ship, a life force that has been operating from the beginning goes to work and in due time our problem is solved. The wise among us accept God's timing as perfect--never too late, never too early, but always on schedule.

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Source: Unknown