living waters

How the beasts groan!
The herds of cattle wander aimlessly
Because there is no pasture for them;
Even the flocks of sheep suffer.
Joel 1:18

Here is a picture of where we appear to be at this time in our history. ‘How the beasts groan!’ – just read the front page of the daily newspaper or listen to the nightly news !
We, as a nation, appear to be wandering aimlessly…we are lost in the confusion of our times…we are anxious and depressed and fretful about what the coming days shall hold…there is no ‘pasture’ for us (meaning a safe and restful place that does not lack provision).
And even the flocks of sheep suffer - that being the church ! The church has gotten caught up with these things just as the world has….our focus on materiality and comfort and a life of ease has not set us apart from the cares of the world. And yet the Lord calls us to trust in Him and He exhorts us to be anxious for nothing, to cast our cares on Him and in all things give thanks.
I was impressed the other morning, as the Holy Spirit sometimes will do, that I have been so concerned and worried about the things of daily life that I have lost focus. My concerns and anxiousness regarding how we will get through all of this, whether it’s the political landscape or the economic landscape, have been weighing me down. The fountains of living waters that refresh and give life have been replaced by the aridness of the desert of fear and concern. And as I meditated upon this I believe the Lord’s exhortation to me was - you are My child, I know the beginning from the end, rest in Me, abide in My leading, let Me shower you with My living waters that you may be refreshed, for your focus should be on Me and what I have called you to do for Me…I will lead you.
As I ponder upon this exhortation I find it hard to move to that place of refreshing. My spirit is willing but my flesh is strong and the struggle continues – but I know that the word of truth tells me that victory is in His hand.