MEMORY VERSE: “ He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2.
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 23:1-6
INTRODUCTION
Sheep do not birth their lamb in turbulent or stormy places, they keep away from others to deliver what is inside of them. Adam while in the garden; a calm place, was able to name, categorise and file all the animals without any physical aids (computer, pen, paper, etc.) – Genesis 2:15,19- 20. The still waters are a calm place where God brings you to the place that enables you to maximise your potentials. When your head is clear, you can think, remember, and evolve. The challenge however is, how to achieve the calmness that will birth the greatness we feel inside, when we are constantly bombarded with ‘noise’ (challenges, troubles, trials, etc.).
OUTLINE
- SILENCE THE ‘NOISE’
- FIND GREEN PASTURES
SILENCE THE ‘NOISE’
Ships do not sink because they pass through waters but because the waters pass through them. You have the power to prevent negative occurrences around you from affecting your mind and potentials. Silence the voice of mediocrity, bitterness, regrets, etc. and constantly assure yourself that you are made for greatness Proverbs 23:7a; Hebrews 12:15. Deal with any destructive behaviour to protect your self-esteem. Avoid being so busy or cumbered, with just trying to survive, focus on accomplishing your visions and goals Proverbs 29:18. Be conscious of time and avoid going round in circles John 9:4. Stop being reactive, wake up daily with an agenda, urgency, and a sense of direction Philippians 4:8. Close all loopholes in your marriage, family, career, etc. and work towards unity, prosperity, and dominion. Your outward prosperity reflects the spiritual prosperity on your inside 3 John 2. Do not limit your vision to your current situation. Sometimes your situation may be preparing you for where God is taking you Genesis 45:5- 8. Dare to stand out rather than fit in.
FIND GREEN PASTURES
Green pasture is a place of freshness or newness Isaiah 43:19. Many do not know how to lay down in the ‘green pastures’ of their life which include new opportunities, relationships, success, etc. Hosea 4:6a.They experience anxiety even in good times because they feel it is abnormal and they fear it will not last Philippians 4:6.
‘He maketh me lie down in green pastures’ means God is willing to make you rest in the blessings He has given you Ecclesiastes 2:24; 1 Timothy 6:17. To ‘ lie down in green pasture’ could mean being hopeful again after series of disappointments Job 14:7, receiving the ability and strength to love again after emotional or mental hurt 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7, to want to live again after barely escaping from depression Job 6:11; 14:14. It could mean getting to the place where you are able to believe that afflictions shall not rise again Nahum 1:9, to try again and succeed in areas where you have once failed Micah 7:8, to receive peace and let go of offences, bitterness and anger that has held you captive for long John 14:27; Ephesians 4:31, etc.
CONCLUSION
You cannot be in a place of still waters until you let go of the things distracting you or invading your space.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Ephesians 4:31-32.
MON: Ecclesiastes 3:7.
TUES: Ecclesiastes 9:10.
WED: Acts 8:23.
THURS: Proverbs 10:12.
FRI: Ecclesiastes 7:10.
SAT: Psalm 46:1-3.