Busy, Busy, Busy

 

We have managed to make it to the busy season of the year. Holidays and guests and travel and meal preparations and family and work and activities and anything else you can think to add to this list.

 

DSC02214mYes, busyness seems to go hand-in-hand with November and December. And for me, I just want this period of time to slow down so that I can enjoy it.

 

So before it gets too hectic, I want to share a version of the twenty-third Psalm that I intend to read occasionally through these two months. I have shared it before, but it’s a good reminder for us to slow down and allow God’s goodness to infiltrate this busy season.

 

This version of Psalm 23 offers an alternative for living through these busy days. I can either allow my schedule to be run by me, or I can allow the Lord to be my pace setter. When I give God the throne of my heart, when He is in control, suddenly the busyness of my days become manageable. I am able to slow down and enjoy all that He so willingly points out to me.

 

I’m not saying that we should use this version of Psalm 23 to replace the original version. God’s version is so beautiful and it definitely has value in my life. But this alternate version spoke loudly to me. And this is what it says.

 

If I am too busy, I will miss the opportunities God has prepared in advance for me. I will miss people. I will miss connections. I will miss God.

 

So today, read through Psalm 23 from my New International Version and then Toki Miyashina’s version. Maybe, just maybe, a few of her words will speak to your heart as well.

 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:1-6 – NIV)

 

 

The Lord is my Pace Setter

 

The Lord is my pace setter…I shall not rush.

He makes me stop for quiet intervals.

He provides me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.

He leads me in the way of efficiency through calmness of mind and his guidance is peace.

Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here.

His timelessness, his all importance will keep me in balance.

He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with his oils of tranquility.

My cup of joyous energy overflows.

Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hours for I shall walk in the pace of my Lord and dwell in his house forever.[i]

 

I pray that through these busy months you’ll find all that God has to offer you. I pray that your eyes would be open to see the joy placed before you. I pray that your heart would be softened to the needs of those around you. I pray that your energy level would continue to be boosted throughout these busy times. I pray that your body would remain healthy.

 

But most of all, I pray that you won’t neglect your time with God. Allow Him to be your pace setter. And just wait for the benefits He will lavish upon you.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] A version of the twenty-third Psalm from Japan, written by Toki Miyashina.

 

 

 

 

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