Are You Feeling The Pressure Of Making It All Happen?
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Photo by Sam Carter on Unsplash
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It’s hard to believe we're over halfway through August already!
My break from blogging and social media has stretched on a little longer than I planned, but I’m easing my way back in.
My time away has given me some extra space for a few other projects I’m working on, as well as a little more margin to enjoy our fantastic but too-short Alaska summers.
Over the last few days, I’ve been seeing geese flying overhead and smelling the pungent fragrance of cranberries, sure signs that fall is just around the corner. All in all, it’s been a great summer, and I’m ready to transition to a new season. I hope you’ve had a great summer too and are all set for what’s to come in the next few months!
THE DILIGENCE OF OUR SHEPHERD
Today, I want to share something I read recently that really encouraged me and I hope encourages you too.
In his book, A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm, Philip Keller describes watching shepherds water sheep in the hot pasture lands of Africa. The sheep were led deep into stone caverns, where, in the well at the bottom, their owner bailed water into a trough. Bucket after bucket, the shepherd bailed, laboring to ensure his sheep were well-watered. All the sheep had to do was walk up to the trough and drink.
Keller then says this:
“As I stood there watching the animals quench their thirst at the still waters, I was again immensely impressed by the fact that everything hinged and depended on the diligence of the owner, the shepherd. Only through his energy, his efforts, his sweat, his strength, could the sheep be satisfied.”
Keller goes on to point out that we too have a Good Shepherd—Jesus who is diligently tending to the needs of His flock.
LETTING GO OF SELF-EFFORT AND STRIVING
Despite this beautiful reality, too often I take it upon myself to meet my needs. I feel like it’s up to me to provide for myself and solve my own problems. I feel that I must take care of myself. Yet all the while, my Good Shepherd is laboring on my behalf, ensuring that, as Psalm 23:1 says, “I have all I need.”
Of course, having a Good Shepherd doesn’t mean we do nothing, we do have a role to play, but the truth remains that it’s not through our striving or self-effort that anything of significance is accomplished. Rather, as Keller says, it is through our Good Shepherd’s “energy, effort, and strength expended on [our] behalf” that His purpose is brought forth in our lives.
ALL YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
Think about the work God has given you in this season. Perhaps it’s parenting, writing, painting, running a business, hosting a podcast, or teaching a classroom. Whatever it is, take comfort that He knows exactly what you need to accomplish it, and He is busy behind the scenes providing all the resources, creativity, strength, and finances you need to be successful.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I’d love to hear questions, thoughts, or prayer requests! Let me know in the comments below or contact me here!
In purpose and faith,
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