Greener Pastures Within

I hear my Abba’s tender whispers:

“Beloved, I am the LORD. I am shepherding your soul (mind, will, emotions) to the green pastures and still waters on the inside of you. Follow Me closely, seek Me earnestly, and learn to sense when I am changing direction. A good follower notices such changes, however subtle they may seem.

“Pay attention, beloved, when internal restlessness rises up. Seek to know its source. Identify what is going on in your heart and examine the circumstances that caused you to become restless. What changed?

“Not all restlessness is to be dismissed, beloved. Restlessness can be a holy thing. Take time to discern yourself. Examine your heart carefully and your motives thoroughly. Sometimes you must press through to the victory on the other side of your circumstances. Sometimes you must prove yourself faithful to complete the tasks at hand. And sometimes you must recognize when and how I am preparing you for transition.

“If My people were always content, always willing to remain exactly where they are, they would soon refuse to grow or seek out new and better opportunities in their lives. Stepping out in faith requires courage, and trust that I know where I am leading you. Courage and trust have nothing to do with impulse and everything to do with discernment—and obedience. In courage, trust, and obedience, Abram left everything he knew to follow Me to a place he did not know.

“Make it your high purpose to seek Me in the quiet place, beloved. My plans for you are always for your good and never for your harm. I will not betray you. Will you continue to follow Me all of your days regardless of where you spend those days?

“Your days matter to Me. Listen for My voice speaking to you through My Holy Word and also in the stillness between your own quieted thoughts. Yes, I am shepherding your soul to the green pastures and still waters on the inside of you. My Spirit will comfort you. And remember this, beloved, My goodness and mercy will follow you day after day, and you will dwell with Me forever.”

Bible References
Psalm 119:10; Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 12:26; Mark 2:14; John 10:27; John 3:8; Psalm 51:10; Proverbs 3:3-7; Psalm 139:23; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; Philippians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Matthew 14:27; Hebrews 11:8; Mark 1:35; Mark 6:31-32; Psalm 36:10; Psalm 119:30; Proverbs 12:28; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Psalm 86:11; Romans 14:17; Isaiah 32:17-18; Isaiah 60:17; Galatians 5:22; Romans 15:13; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 145:13; Psalm 23

© Carol Schafer 2024