Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Susan Hales explores the Good Shepherd’s invitation to rest.

Our first scripture is from Mark 12:30 (ESV): “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

The second is Psalm 23:1-3a NIV): “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

Why are we all so busy? One reason is the desire to prove one's self-worth and significance through productivity. Perhaps we strive to earn God's love and acceptance through our strength instead of accepting His grace.

As a result, we find ourselves exhausted, burned out, and needing rest.

I confess I'm guilty of this. I feel satisfied when I check off tasks on my to-do list: Bible study—check. Prayer time—check. Volunteer—check. 

Instead of striving to please God, the Good Shepherd invites us to rest in Psalm 23.

The comparison between humans and sheep in God's Word is fascinating. Sheep require constant attention and care. They are often fearful, defenseless, untrainable, and need guidance.

Sheep depend on the shepherd for everything. The shepherd guides the sheep and provides food, water, and a safe resting place. If the sheep wander off, the shepherd pursues them and returns them to the herd.

In Psalm 23, David discusses a well-known metaphor, the shepherd-king. He uses the first person, which makes it personal. God created us like sheep who need the care and strength of the Good Shepherd.

First, I lack nothing when cared for by the Good Shepherd. He supplies all I need (Psalm 23:1).

Second, the Good Shepherd makes me lie down in green pastures for food and provides a cool resting place (Psalm 23:2a). Our spiritual food is God’s Word.

Third, the Good Shepherd leads me to quiet waters for peaceful rest and cleansing (Psalm 23:2b). We receive living water, the Holy Spirit, who guides and gives us power and strength.

Therefore, rest, spiritual food, and living water refresh our soul (Psalm 23:3a).

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves us so much that He died on the cross so that we might find forgiveness and peace. We can stop striving, rest in the loving care of Jesus, and know we are enough.

If you are exhausted and burned out, take some time to think about why you're working so hard and prayerfully consider some changes you can make to get more rest.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/