Last night, I was at my Life Group and sharing with the men during the prayer time. I have been pretty busy recently, but things are starting to slow down. The strange thing is that I have actually enjoyed some of the business because I got a lot done and I could tangibly see the difference that my time and energy made. I was (foolishly) even considering if I was willing to be constantly so busy if it meant that my contribution – to God’s work – would be more significant.
I was processing all of these thoughts, silently, when a thought hit me. Jesus is the Good Shepherd (which we had discussed that night), and He leads me besides still waters (Psalm 23) and restores my soul. Was I actually considering refusing God’s invitation to still waters? What was I thinking? I took the time to ask my brothers in Christ for prayer to accept God’s invitation to rest and refresh. I know God wants me to have life to the fullest; this is more than just my significance or contribution. God wants me to have joy and love and rest. Significance is nothing if you lose your smile.
If you are reading this, I am wondering if you are thinking some of the same mistaken thoughts. For many of us, May is almost as busy as December – with day trips, work, graduations, and many activities. I had gotten a little addicted to the activity – to the contribution that I could make. I want to work hard and contribute, but my worth to Jesus is more than my work.
Thankfully, I am taking next week off and spending time with my family in southern California. This should be a good time to reset and pour into them; they have supported me in many ways during this last busy season. Unfortunately, leaving next week also means this week is more busy! Still, I am looking forward to the time by the still waters. They are part of the life that God wants for His children. Still waters are part of the good life God gives us. Why do we refuse them?
I have refused God’s still waters because being busy made me feel important and needed. It’s at those times I have to ask myself, “Am I busy, or am I productive?” Still waters can be very productive, even if it seems we’re not doing anything. Sometimes, I’m afraid of being bored. I believe, however, that if we are truly beside God’s still waters, we will see the need for a Savior, as Peter did (Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinner), and we will find our rest in knowing that He alone can offer true rest for our souls.