Ordinary Time

Pause

Life can feel scattered.

When everything else beckons for our attention — schoolwork, jobs, family, sports, and future endeavors — we might push faith aside.

But faith is supposed to be in the center of our lives.

In simple daily tasks — reading the Bible, caring for others, eating together, and praying — we are drawn closer to God and to each other.

Listen

The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name.

Psalm 23:1-3

Think

God keeps me alive. Do I know that in my bones? God keeps me alive. I lack for nothing. I am a sheep in God’s pastures.

I grew up on a farm. We did not have sheep, but I have heard that they are particularly stupid. They can’t take care of themselves at all. But if I’m honest with myself, I can’t always see what lies in front of me or take care of myself. I need God to guide me so I don’t make irreversibly stupid mistakes.

God teaches us to rest from the stresses of our lives. God even appointed a day of rest to allow us to heal from the stresses of our labor. If we follow the directions of the Shepherd, we will be following the proper paths for our physical and spiritual well-being.

What can I do today to bring myself more in alignment with the direction of the Shepherd? Can I rest? Can I study God’s ways in scripture? Can I seek peace?

Deborah Guy

Pray

Holy God, help me to always live a life of faith. Help me to know your peace. Amen.

Go

Remember: Faith is the essence of life.