I was thinking about sheep recently, how they have to be led to water and pasture. They don’t find either well themselves and the shepherd’s role is critical to their health and well being.
But I was also thinking that once they get to good pasture and fresh water, they have to choose to eat and drink. The same is true of God’s people.
Our under-shepherds (pastors, teachers, small group leaders, etc.) can offer us fresh bread and clean water but we have to choose to eat and drink of them. That’s one of the purposes of The Cleft for Life. I learned to feed myself as a very young believer, first milk and then meat. The scriptures can be daunting but with a good plan, the people of God can feed themselves at home as well as receive what is offered at church in services and classes and in small groups.
But we have to choose to eat what is set before us with grateful hearts. I have a friend who is facing serious challenges to her schedule and her time spent in her Cleft for Life has been very limited of late. Improvements are on the way but her stress level clearly says that her God tank is running low and some days is near empty. I encouraged her to take even just a few minutes at odd times and read or pray or sing. She always feels better when she does.
I’m talking to myself today. My schedule has also been altered and some mornings spending time with God is more of a struggle. But by grace most days I choose God and am blessed because of it.
What motivates you to seek God’s face?