Shalom ,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that whenever my spirit feels rushed, my mental health is usually the first area to suffer. We encourage everyone to wake up and say: Today is an Amen day. Yet, there are days that start with less belief than others. So, this Saturday, I felt led to take a step back. 

I’ve been sitting with Psalm 23—not just as a beautiful poem we hear at church, but as a practical, "how-to" guide for our mental wellness.

There’s such a deep connection between "restoring your soul" and actually restoring your body. Psalm 23 is a promise of God’s provision:

• He gives us what we need, rather than taking away our desires. He works with us, in our hopes, dreams and longings… not to say we get all we want, but we will  lack nothing, even as we seek God for the desires of our hearts. David was in danger, wanting safety—and sometimes food and water—yet God provided for him and protected him through it all, and ultimately gave him a life far greater than his wildest dreams. 

       Whatever happens in the future, good or bad, God will be there          to look after me. I shall not lack anything—“lo achsar” (לֹא אֶחְסָר).
 

• "He makes me lie down in green pastures..." — The word translated as green has connotations of pleasantness, loveliness, something to be enjoyed. The idea of being “made” to lie down can sound a bit harsh or controlling, but it’s just the Hebrew verb structure in which cause is involved, not necessarily with compulsion. 

• “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”, writes David. Except it doesn’t really say they will follow me… more like goodness and mercy will chase me—they will hunt me down. The root word used is the same for persecution even—so it’s saying that goodness and mercy, or loving kindness (חֶסֶד – chesed) will chase me down… and with considerable enthusiasm! Not just meandering behind, dragging along somewhere in the background, but passionately pursuing with a high level of determination. 
  
  It’s a great picture isn’t it? We can often feel like we’re plagued by troubles and that difficulties seem to follow us around, but Psalm 23 here says the opposite. For those in God’s flock, under the care of the Good Shepherd, it’s goodness and mercy that’s doing the hounding, eager to capture us and surround us with good things. And not just for a short period, but David expresses faith that it will continue throughout his entire future: all the days of his life. 
  
  We can also have that same expectation. God is the same, yesterday, today and forever. 
  
  He’s there in our futures too, waiting to chase us some more with his goodness and love. Weeping may come at night, but joy catches up with us in the morning. (teaching referenced at OneforIsrael)

Coach Carol Graham talks about this in the course How to Pray the Answer ~ A Course on Miracles along with some very down-to-earth tips on how to find those "still waters" when your schedule feels anything but still.

If you missed my video about this 'rest' topic here is a video that discusses this further Sabbath Rest. 

I know God wants us to be "well" in every sense of the word. Spiritually well. Physically well. Mentally well.  I hope this gives you a moment to focus on peace this weekend.

Before you go—reply back and let me know: What’s one area of your health where you need those "green pastures" most right now? 

I’d love to hear what’s on your heart.

With grace and good food,

• Why "Living Water" is more than just a metaphor.
• How hydration naturally reduces anxiety and brain fog.
• The 13 specific benefits God designed water to give us.

P.S. If you know someone who’s been running on empty lately, feel free to forward this over to them. Sometimes we just need a reminder that it’s okay to slow down.

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