God Restores What Is Running Low - Your Nightly Prayer - July 9th

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God Restores What Is Running Low
Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

"He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake." - Psalm 23:3

SOMETHING TO PONDER

Where do you feel depleted tonight, either mentally, emotionally, or spiritually? Some nights we go to bed exhausted from the day’s activities, difficulties, or decision-making. Often we lie awake in the night attempting to map out the things we need to do, or trying to work out the right direction to go.

David, the author of Psalm 23, assures us that our job is simply to stay close to the Shepherd. Even as I write this, I find myself thinking, “it’s not that simple, it’s not enough.” We are so used to taking responsibility on our shoulders that resting and trusting God fully does not come easily. Yet, Psalm 23 invites us to do both.

God promises to give back the vitality and strength—physical, emotional, intellectual, and, of course, spiritual—that we need but life so often depletes. God, in His goodness, reinstates the equilibrium of our being.

So often we are concerned about whether we are on the right path, and doing “the Lord’s will.” But, just as we are guaranteed refreshment, Psalm 23:3 assures us that God will guide us along the right way. That reassurance is not just because God is good. God guides us because He is true to Himself. He does it for His own reputation. God provides perfect guidance because of the truth of His character. A holy God cannot do anything else. The paths on which God leads us avoid the dangerous places and lead us to abundant pastures.

Listen for His voice tonight. Find refreshment in His words. Trust Him completely, just as sheep trust the one who is leading them.

You can sleep tonight knowing that tomorrow, the Good Shepherd will be with you when you wake. He will go before you into whatever rocky, draining, or fearful situation you face. You do not have to carry tomorrow alone. The Shepherd who watches over you tonight will still be faithfully guiding you in the morning.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
I have to admit I am exhausted—mentally, physically, and spiritually. As my Good Shepherd, I come to you tonight realizing that I need to stay close to you. Instead of trying to work out my problems and see the way forward, I choose to rest in your presence. Restore my soul. Quiet my racing thoughts and release the heavy burdens I was never meant to carry alone. In your grace and goodness, give me the strength I need to face another day. I lay down my need for control and surrender my tomorrow into your hands. As I keep my mind and heart focused on you, lead me and guide me in the way I should go. Thank you for watching over me while I sleep.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Use your imagination to picture God as the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23.

2. How does knowing that God's willingness to guide you doesn't depend on how perfect or deserving you are, but on the perfection of His character, change your attitude?

3. Recite what you know of Psalm 23, even if it is only the verse above, and take note of how you feel.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit:©GettyImages/diego_cervo

Rachel Britton is a British-born award-winning author and speaker. Her passion is to help others find comfort and confidence in their daily conversation with God. Her latest book, Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God released with Our Daily Bread Publishing. She is the creator of the Amazon Alexa skill: “Alexa, say a prayer,” which offers a simple way for thousands to connect with God each day. Rachel is married with three adult children spread over too many time zones. Connect with Rachel on her blog rachelbritton.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

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