I’m sure you have heard the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people, but I want to focus on a small detail of this story—a detail that may bring rest to weary souls and minds.
When Jesus came ashore and saw the large crowd that had gathered to see Him, He had “compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd.” He taught them and healed all those that needed healing, and soon the question of “What’s for Dinner” arose. (Mark 6:34,Luke 9:11)
How were they going to feed all of those people? Physically and financially it was impossible, but right before the miracle occurred, Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” (John 6:10)
The Greek word for “sit down” simply means to lie back—to lie down, recline at a table, and sit back. Similarly, in the 23rd Psalm, David said this of the Lord: “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” The Hebrew word for “sit down” is actually to stretch oneself out. Hey, if there were recliners, they would have sat down and leaned the chair back in a restful state.
He prayed and thanked God for the 5 loaves and 2 fish and then he broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, who then distributed it to the people. “They all ate and were satisfied.” (Matt 14:20)
Today, when we have a definite need or problem in our life, what do we do? Often times we slip into panic mode, not restful mode.
Do we go about finding our own solution, or do we involve God and invite him into our daily problems? Do we ask Him for help or do we push our nose even harder to the grindstone looking only within ourselves for solutions and answers?
When you sit down in the green grass to receive, you are not trying to find your own food or figure out the problem by yourself. Maybe Jesus is saying to you today, “Sit here and wait; I will provide.”
We don’t always know HOW he will provide or when or what we will receive—but when God wants to give us something, it remains the Shepherd’s part to provide and the sheep’s to receive.
Sometimes we activate our faith, not by moving, but by waiting on God and believing in His timing and provision. I know that sounds cliché, but walking this out in life will cause us to be more restful. Don’t we want that?
Recently, as we prepared to move from California, it seemed like everyday our schedules kept changing. The packers are coming. Oh wait, now they are not. The movers are coming on this day. Oh wait, let’s change that and then tomorrow we will change it again. At the same time, our precious kids were dealing with snot and fevers.
The changing dates was irritating me, but when I checked the weather and saw that the biggest rain storm in California’s last five years was scheduled for all of the packing and moving days, I just laughed. Now, this is not my normal response, so I give God the glory, because in the past, I would have totally flipped out. Thoughts of water damage to all of our stuff and worry would have flooded my mind.
I wish I could say that I wasn’t irritated at all, but hey, God is still growing me bit by bit. Deep down, however, I knew God would work it out. We prayed, trusted God, and went on with our business. And guess what, we did see a lot of rain in those days, but not when the movers took boxes out to the truck!
The real blessing of staying in rest was—my mind did not stay on the problem.
Having rest in our minds is a wonderful thing, but you must trade in the knee-jerk reaction to self-provide. Jesus is our shepherd and He cares for us. We have the privilege as children of God to enjoy our position as sheep.
I encourage you to tell your concerns to God today. Thank Him for what you have (what are your five loaves and two fish?) and ask Him where you can rest. Let’s rely on His goodness and faithfulness to lead us to green pastures, where we can sit down, eat and be satisfied.
Prayer: Jesus, I trust you as my good Shepherd. I know you care for me and I believe that you want me to lie down in green pastures. I give my problem to you ____(name problem)_____ and I trust in your provision and goodness to my family and me. I choose to rest in you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
p.s. No topic is off limits to God. Nothing is too small of an issue, so bring it all to Him. Yes, even that little thing that is annoying you right now.
Psalm 5:11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
