GREEN PASTURES AND STILL WATERS

GREEN PASTURES AND STILL WATERS
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 by JOAN C. BENSON

PLEASE WELCOME

JOHN C. BENSON

DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY

Are You Listening?

The other morning, I walked outside to the soothing sounds of a cooing dove. I smiled with gratitude. Flashbacks flooded my mind with the times God has comforted me with that same peaceful coo-coo ... often when I needed it the most. Much has been written about how to get through the tough times. What about the times we notice the presence of God? Do we take time in our busy lives to stop?

Trials May Come

In 1 Peter 1:6 (NIV) we are told "though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." That's certainly not the kind of good news I relish. Yet, I take courage in knowing this earthly dwelling is temporal, and for this short time. We can rejoice knowing there will be no more sorrow in our eternal home, Heaven, where we will forever enjoy intimacy with Father God.

Where Is God?

Recognizing this dichotomy, I have taken a deeper look at the 23rd Psalm. It reminds me again that God will be with me in the valleys. He assures me He is present right in the middle of the mess of my life. It is my job to listen for Him.

Restoration

In addition, Scripture says, God as my Shepherd "makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, (Psalm 23:2, NIV)." I love how God makes me lie down. I remember as a little girl when my mom insisted I lie down, especially on a hot summer day. Didn't she understand how busy I was? I had serious playing to do. Books to read. Friends to see. Yet my mom knew how much happier I would be with rest. God knows when I need a "timeout" from my circumstances. What happens when He leads me to those still waters? Big stuff. He restores me. He enables me to live victoriously even through trials.

He is Speaking

Think for a minute about your own life I would encourage you to look for those precious times when you have been able to stop to breathe, even in the midst of chaos. I pray that you have felt reminders of God's love and comfort. Look for Him to show up. He may take you to green pastures. Listen for Him.

ABOUT HIS GIFT

Brace yourself for a thrilling race through the twists and turns of a young woman determined to see her dream come true.

On the cusp of the stock market crash of 1929, seventeen-year-old Molly has aspirations for a career in music after high school. With the passion of an athlete preparing for the Olympics, she trains relentlessly to become the best she can be.

As her world collapses in unimaginable ways, she is left to find peace and purpose in the midst of her crisis. The message of His Gift is universal to anyone who has ever dared to dream in spite of uncontrollable circumstances. The reader will discover with Molly the hope and peace in a life yielded to the Giver of all gifts.

ABOUT JOAN C. BENSON

Joan C. Benson is a freelance writer, a former educator, a reading specialist, and a teacher coach. Joan has produced devotional materials, magazine articles, children’s ministry curriculum, and untold numbers of stories, poems, informational text, stand-alone books, and reading curriculum for educational publishers. Joan grew up in a musical family and learned to play piano as a young child, performing often as a teenager. Her mother was her musical and spiritual mentor. Through Joan’s eyes and imagination, her gifted mother’s story plays out in the setting of a national crisis, The Great Depression. His Gift is her debut historical fiction novel, which should be enjoyable for both young adults and adults

WEBSITE: www.joancbenson.com (must have the middle initial c)

WordPress Blog: bensonjj.blog

Facebook (author view): https://www.facebook.com/YIHAVEHOPE/ or search on FB for joan c benson

Twitter handle: 11Ccaj4life

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/joancbenson/?hl=en

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