Greener Pastures

The view from my prayer corner.

One day our oldest daughter Megan asked if her dad and I would ever consider moving from Oklahoma to come live in Missouri. We casually said sure, of course. It was a no-brainer. We can do it. Been there done that and had previously experienced four out-of-state moves.

But that was our younger selves.  

Over 30 years ago.

Skip forward a few years, and we’ve taken some steps to lean closer to Missouri.

Leaving the acreage and the home where we raised our girls was a big move. We created many memories and it was a lot emotionally to sift through boxes of treasures carefully stored; and then lift, carry, and haul them away.  

This year, as Jay’s retirement approaches, I would describe our current situation as “deployed.” I told him moving into an apartment “will be just another deployment.” But this is not the same as forgetting to pack a towel or bunking in a two-man room.

Our living arrangements muster a version of the two-bedroom apartment we shared as newlyweds. This time around it’s literally wall-to-wall furniture, narrow pathways, and Erin’s border collie, Jimmy; he’s anxious to discover the Show Me State too.

“Show me a yard. Show me the back door. Show me where I can run without wearing a leash.” His expression says it all.

I admit when this adventure started, the pictures that came to mind were just the highlight reel.

But the rewards of a committed heart are not without help. Or hope.

Psalms 23:1-6 beautifully illustrates the ebb and flow of life’s seasons and the pathways we walk.

The Lord is my shepherd;

He is also the Prince of Peace. Be still and experience the goodness of His peace.

I shall not want.

He provides you with the resources and provisions you need.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

Decree that He causes you to lie down in places of plenty, places of overflow, places of favor, places of prosperity, and the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just.

He leads me beside the still waters.

Sheep do not like rushing rapids. The Lord knows the spaces and places He has for you.

He restores my soul;

The soul is your mind, will, and emotions. Allow Him to do a cleansing work in your soul. Loose all fear, hate, confusion or grief. All misunderstandings, offense, and unforgiveness. All anger, all addictions to a person, place or thing. Say, I loose it in Jesus name. Loose any judgmental attitudes, any depression, despair of any kind. Loose it in the mighty name of Jesus. Now bind to your soul those things that follow life and godliness. Say, I choose as an act of my will to bind in my soul; Your life, Your plans for my life and destiny. All the goals and thoughts that You think toward me. I bind justice, liberty, and freedom. I bind Your Son and Holy Spirit to my soul that I will hear You, obey You, and love You more. Speak life to your soul.

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Bring Him honor.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You will go through hard seasons, but you will not camp there. Glean from the experience. Share what you learn.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

Shepherds put oil on the head of their sheep to keep bugs and other irritants away, and to promote healing. You are cared for and loved by the Shepherd.

My cup runs over.

The Lord will give you more so you can bless others.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

Imagine His angelic host guarding you, protecting you, and watching over you.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

His promises are unwavering.

You can choose to focus on the present moment, the mountain of circumstances before you; or you can consider the purpose in it. And He who has your hand.

The present is a season. Preparation for a greater purpose than what you may have asked or imagined.

As I pause and look up from reading my Bible, I look at the picture of our new grandbaby. A small picture tucked in the corner of the dresser mirror. I consider where there is tension, transition. There is also transformation. It’s in that place of surrender we see the greatest results.

If you are in a season of “just passing through,” pray this:

Father, I lift up holy hands and praise You.

You are high and lifted up.

Your vision is not how I see.

For You see a recompense of reward.

You are a rewarder of them that diligently seek You.

You are the lifter of my head.

So, I will bless Your holy name. And agree that Your mercies are new each day.

Thank you for leading me through this season to a land of promise.

A land of greener pastures.

In Jesus mighty name. Amen.