"You are My beloved child... walk with Me along paths designed uniquely for you... keeping in step with Me... stay close... I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes." (177)
It's a strange mix for me. Most of the time I live with a sense of urgency, in a hurry, off to the next thing. However, some of the more soul-enriching, life-expanding things I would like to accomplish seem just beyond my reach, pushed somewhere into future days. Learning to be paced well requires a good measure of grace for me.
The Old Testament story of Jacob returning home with his large family and flocks has given me a good example of being well-paced.
Rather than driving them hard for even one day, Jacob choose to "continue on slowly, at a pace suited to the livestock and the children..." (Gen. 33:13-14)
Having young grandchildren and aging parents gave me opportunity to learn the benefits of pacing well, of being respectful of the weaker, more vulnerable ones. Even today, on our early morning walk, I told Joe how much I enjoyed our brisk morning walk and appreciated his thoughtfulness to pace with my shorter stride.
Jacob's tender, careful attention to his family and flocks reminded me of how the Good Shepherd of our Souls, gathers us, His lambs, and carries us close to His heart. (Is. 40:11)
So, when I'm anxious to move on...I must remember He sets "the pace in keeping with (my) needs and (His) purposes!" He graciously keeps me...
Paced Well...dmc
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Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove your devotional. Have had it for over 2 years, and some of it is actually starting to sink in.
It is the only book I buy and share with friends.
blessings
barb
Thanks. God graciously paces each of us, doesn't He! We are blessed to be in His "flock" & family!
Delete"He will not let your feet go out from under you. He Who watches over you will not sleep. Listen, He Who watches over Israel will not close his eyes or sleep."- Psalm 121:3-4
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ReplyDeleteI've been really anxious about my life. Sometimes it feels like I'm totally alone to figure this life out, that I don't have a future and all I've done has amounted to nothing. This psalm has really helped me. I need to mindful that each of us our on our own unique path that God is sovereign over!
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