Do You Have Significance?

For me, it’s difficult to give a simple answer.  Considering the world’s way of measuring significance, I’d say, “definitely not” because I possess a puny amount of prestige, power and money. Using my spiritual eyes, however, I see the truth … I’m highly valued, accepted, even esteemed by God, and I possess His divine power. Accordingly, I’d say, “Absolutely! I’m significant.”

 In my teens and twenties, I was confused and searching. I allowed my peers, advertising, and negative self-talk to define my importance. They all communicated the same message. If I don’t meet their standards, I don’t have significance.  

In my thirties and forties, I figured out the world’s way of measuring my significance was wrong and deceptive.  

Now, in my fifties, I see my true worth through God’s eyes. I’m discovering God’s extravagant love for me defines my significance, not my performance or the opinions of others.

To be honest, though, I still sometimes get confused.    

                                  

 I recall one particular time. I was sulking, feeling of little importance to anyone or anything. My expectations were unsatisfied. So, I began to look to others to make me feel significant.

I withdrew from God. I was upset with Him because He wasn’t answering my prayers how I thought He should.  Thankfully, He never treats me with contempt.

After a couple days of stewing, I was driving home from work, when I glimpsed the license plate of the sports car I was passing. I read Pam 4511. Yes, it was my name … on a license plate, at that moment, driving on I-35!  Undoubtedly, God had a message for me.

My Big Fear ... Defeated!

Fear unexpectedly gripped me one morning while I brushed my teeth. I felt tooth pain and panicked. Why?

 I hate going to the dentist! For me, the dentist office exudes a distinct odor of chemicals, antiseptics and cements. A huge machine looms above just waiting to drill away at my teeth! Dentists charge exuberant prices!

 “Nope!” “I’m not going.”    

Nevertheless, I felt an ongoing, gentle nudging to make a dentist appointment. Over the years, I've grown familiar with my good Shepherd's staff, prodding me, serving to assist me! (Psalm 23:4) Paying attention to and obeying His past promptings has always proven beneficial. It’s best to follow His leading.

I clenched my phone and made an appointment. With two weeks to wait, fear and I had a wrestling match.

Welcome to Quiet Waters!

Welcome to my blog  “Quiet Waters”.  In Psalm 23 David uses poetic imagery to describe the Good Shepherd, our heavenly Father, leading His sheep, you and me, to green pastures and quiet waters. Over the past 38 years, I've looked to this Psalm for comfort and assurance that God guides and provides. Its rich spiritual implications continually provide rest and restoration for my soul. 

 We all need rest. Rest from life’s responsibilities, rest from this noisy, needy world! Rest is found in listening to our Good Shepherd and following Him wherever He leads.

 In His presence Jesus restores us by providing our souls with hope-filled truths. He nourishes, strengthens, and brings peace.  Jesus imparts grace, coupled with courage, to face day to day challenges, little ones and big ones. Our Good Shepherd provides everything our souls need!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30(MSG)

In “Quiet Waters” I’m excited to share spiritual lessons I’ve learned from our Good Shepherd. Hopefully they will help renew and restore you, too, so that together, our souls joyfully sing, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 (Net)