By Linda Grabeman
The world has been shocked, shaken, and saddened by recent unnecessary, deliberate deaths.
Yes, depression may have been a factor.
But the bottom line in suicide is this:
The LIES got too LOUD.
God’s whisper got drowned out.
Here’s the thing: God’s whisper can be temporarily silenced in any of us.
We all love the 23rd Psalm, but we forget that the first line is “The Lord is MY Shepherd.”
Mine.
Loving ME.
Caring for ME.
Safeguarding ME.
We forget.
Did you know that sheep are mentioned more than any other animal in the Bible?
Sometimes we feel like sheep: defenseless, frightened, and in need of a shepherd.
This is what God offers us:
The Lord’s Psalm –
v. 1 – The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
v.2 – He makes me lie down in green pastures.
v.2b – He leads me by still waters.
v. 3 – He restores my soul.
Imagine what the world’s Psalm might be:
The World’s Psalm –
v.1 – The CLOCK is my Dictator, and I’m disposable.
v.2 – It works me until I fall into bed, too exhausted to sleep.
v.2b – It reinforces comparison, competition, and insensitivity.
v.3 – I can’t rest or relax without drugs or alcohol.
The world says,”Rely on yourselves.”
“Fight your own battles.”
The Shepherd says, “Let Me fight for you.”
Have you ever said, “I love you” to your child as he ran to his friends or toys, only to see no smile returned, hear no “Thanks, Mom, I love you too”? Your words fell to the ground, unknown and unheard.
God understands that ache.
He wants us to FEEL His Presence,
not just KNOW ABOUT it or BELIEVE IN it.
But to do that, we must be quiet enough to hear His whispers of love.
Since a picture paints a thousand words, may I give you one more visual which helps keep my thinking straight?
IMAGINE your head and your heart are a HOME.
WHO visits you? WHAT THOUGHTS do you let in the front door?
JESUS knocks tenderly, with words of love, promise and meaning.
SATAN barges in unannounced and uninvited with lies, guilt, and despair.
But since it’s YOUR home,
YOU can either welcome them in
or boot them out the back door.
Any time you wish.
Satan ALWAYS deserves that kick in the pants with the door slamming him on the behind.
His screaming voice might not steal our lives,
but it robs our joy.
So here’s the question:
Have you lived with what you’re living with long enough?
Allowed that unwelcome visitor enough times?
Aren’t you ready to stop believing his lies?
If so,
Find a quiet place.
Tell the Lord what’s on your heart.
He’s been waiting.
Longing to nestle you,
To whisper His love for you.
God’s plans for your life far exceed the circumstances of your day.
“I have made you, and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
Isaiah 46:4
I’m praying for you.
Love,
Linda
Playlist:
The Warrior is a Child – Twila Paris
Take a Moment – United Pursuit
Running in Circles – United Pursuit
Not in a Hurry – United Pursuit
Reckless Love – Cory Asbury
Endless Years – United Pursuit
Listen here at the Real and True Playlist on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/user/128815512/playlist/3YfqgeMjEUj7ZB8ydKd5qL
Check out Chloe and Linda Grabeman’s book Real and True: Hope for the Restless Heart at www.realandtruehope.com
Lauren Diamond says
Great message as always Linda! In the day to day struggles, it’s a reminder of His presence and encourages us to keep our minds on things above not on worldly things. Thanks 🙂
Linda Grabeman says
Thanks, Lar! Yes, His presence is so often forgotten and then we get into trouble. Praise Jesus, He welcomes us back.
Katie Hamilton says
Wonderful word pictures! Prepping my back door screen to have some big bangs today! Needed a reminder!
Linda Grabeman says
Thank you, dear friend! We all need this reminder regularly. Let’s get our steel-toed shoes laced up!
Elizabeth R Ball says
Wonderful and timely message today! So very thankful that the Lord is MY shepherd.
Love you Linda!
Linda Grabeman says
Yes, and I’m so thankful you are in His flock along with me!
Cindy Jolly says
After 4 days of VBS you had me at “Find a quiet place!” I love that you chose the word nestle. It sounds so cozy and secure. Thank you for a beautiful picture of welcome and nestling.
Linda Grabeman says
You are too funny! Thanks so much for the encouragement! 💕