My desk is littered with what looks like nuclear fallout from a paper bomb, 128 e-mail messages await reading, and documents are stacked on the floor by the shredder. To-do-lists sit next to my computer keyboard, laundry waits, and dishes are in the sink. And inside, my soul churns from lack of Godly connection.

It’s my own fault. I woke, had a quick quiet-time and hit the ground running. I have a tendency to want spiritual nutrition on the fly. Kind of like driving up to a gas pump, putting the hose in the tank, then speeding off after receiving a few drops. No wonder I’m puttering down life’s highways.

Jesus tells us to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness. When we focus on our problems more than we focus on God, overwhelming factors hit like tidal waves. However, if we filter through God’s hands each task and activity, there is a calming and a centering within our souls. We are promised grace for each moment, strength for every step, for nothing is impossible with God. Sounds all fine and dandy on paper, but much harder to practice.

Life is often like a tight-rope walk while juggling fifty-two tasks. I want to know everything will be good, everyone will be healthy, and money will be in the bank for today and tomorrow. I want assurance now, patience now, and happiness now, all while running through my day at top speed.

And in the quiet part of my soul God’s whispers, be still, cease striving, do not worry, I will provide all your needs, I will never leave or forsake you.

I hesitate. Still not totally convinced, my feet keep moving, because somebody has to get all these things done.

The words from Psalm 23 float by in wind. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

But God, have you seen the checkbook balance? He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.

I visualize myself a sheep running through the pasture, splashing in the water, acting like a toddler fighting against nap time. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Restoration and guidance? Who has time for that? Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Life gets scary, and I run back to God’s arms looking for comfort. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Settling in prayer and praise, I seat myself at His banquet table. All the issues, problems, and tasks slough off and clunk to the floor. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

C – Connecting
P – Praising
R – Restoring

Happy, contented, sigh.
Thank You, Father.

From Living Joyfully Free, Volume 2 by Lisa Buffaloe, https://amzn.to/3wH9G6n