Greetings, Dear Friends!

Susie Larson here...

And to those visiting, I say welcome!

I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.

First things first. If you take the time to post on my blog in April, you may win a $10.00 gift card to Caribou, Target, OR Dairy Queen! Your choice. So drop me a note and say hi! Next week I'll announce April's gift card winner.

A week ago today, I was in Michigan for a speaking event. My hosts picked me up from the airport, got me something to eat, and then dropped me off at my hotel for a little down time before the big event.

I put on some music, set my alarm, and dozed in and out of sleep. Curled up in a ball and hugging my pillow, I prayed for the women for whom I had come to serve. I asked God to meet them in a profound way and to provide for their needs.

Instantly He led me to the first few verses in the 23rd Psalm. Over and over again, I prayed those verses and pondered them on behalf of my Michigan group of women.

Suddenly I realized that four specific needs are addressed in just the first two verses; in fact six needs are addressed in the first three verses:

Guidance, provision, rest, renewal, strength, and honor.

Let's take a closer look...

The Lord is my Shepherd...

Do you need direction and protection in your life? The Lord is your Shepherd! He has committed Himself to your care. But unlike a typical shepherd, He won't make you follow Him. He lovingly leads and protects all who lovingly follow and trust Him. He has your best interest at heart and He will faithfully lead you.

I shall not want...

Do you need a breakthrough in one way or another? Maybe you have current financial needs or maybe your health isn't what it should be. Maybe you need a breakthrough in your job or in the dreams of your heart. Maybe your current need is simply for peace and joy. Everything and anything you could ever want or need is found in Him. Wait on the Lord, my friend. He blesses those who wait for Him. He works for those who wait for Him. He rewards those who earnestly pursue Him. The Heavens are pregnant with provision and God has charged Himself to take care of His own. He will provide. Look up, believe, and wait for Him.

He lets me rest in green meadows...

Are you exhausted? Do you need a break? God not only calls us to rest, He makes a way for us! It's an act of obedience to slow down and rest - on a regular basis. He allows it, He provides pastures green, and He points you off the beaten path that you may stretch out and behold the bright blue sky. The problem with most of us is that we're moving so fast that we race right past the patches of grass that Jesus has prepared for us! May you be so aware of your Shepherd's leading and so in tuned with His voice, that you are quick to take advantage of those green pasture moments provided for you. Breathe in, breathe out, and rest for a while in His presence. He will renew your strength.

He leads me beside peaceful streams...

I love this one. Are you feeling dry and dull? Have you been trudging along for so long that you've lost your sense of life and joy? Do your words stick to the roof of your mouth and does your soul feel like an over-dried raisin? Then you need some time in the water! Your Shepherd knows your frame and He knows your need! And if you follow His lead, He will take you to the end of the dock and toss you in the water for some fun, replenishing water time! He'll let you dip your toe in and sit by the streams, or He'll jump in with you and just let you play. Either way, He's with you on this journey. He's an ever present help; totally engaged; totally there for you. He'll pour fresh life into you. Follow His lead.

He renews my strength...

Even the young grow tired and weary, but when we hope and rest and wait on the Lord, He WILL renew our strength. We'll run again and not get weary. We'll walk and not grow faint. If you're running on empty, or burning up your muscle on overdrive, it's time to slow down long enough to be re-fueled. Jesus has promised to renew your strength. Just as you have to stop your car in order to fill it with gas, you have to stop your wild mind and focus on God's promises. What's amazing is that you can be moving physically and still be renewed. You can be on a plane, in a car, going to the bathroom, or washing dishes. God can renew you while you are moving as long as your soul is at rest. If your mind is racing ahead of schedule, there'll be no rest for you. But if you will quiet your soul like a still, small child, and look up to your Father who knows every need, you will find your strength renewed. Meditating on His promises - more than your pace - will bring peace and strength to your soul.

He guides me along right paths bringing honor to His name...

Oswald Chambers once wrote, "The greatest enemy of the best, is the good." How easy it is to take the good path and miss the best one. And yet our good Shepherd has promised to lead us to the highest and best path for us. His will for us is our best case scenario. He leads us along right paths bringing honor to His name. We were created for Him. When our lives honor Him, we become a trophy of His grace; an evidence of His victory. When we stay in step with Him, our lives bear much fruit and become the stuff of miracles.

What do you need today?

Whatever it is, Jesus wants you to know, "I am here for you!"

Follow His lead, He'll lead you to the place of your promise.

He's good in every sense of the word.

God bless you, my friend.

Have a great and peaceful week!