It has been a very busy week. I have been playing catch up at work after being out last week. I am just about dug out and believe me I am ready for the weekend. I have some tasks at home that will need to be done as well. As they say, no rest for the weary. Speaking of weary, the grass in my yard is looking a little bit weary too. I have a sprinkler system but there are a couple of spots that don’t receive the same amount of coverage as the rest of the yard because the sprinkler heads just don’t hit it those areas as well. The contractor who put it in just did not meet my expectations but that is a story for another day. Anyway, a new neighbor who was moving in last week ran over part of the yard with a large moving truck a few times. I didn’t see it happen but I saw the evidence. There were tire marks on the drive way leading into the yard and the truck was still parked across the street. I ran the sprinkler system through its various stages to make sure the heads were okay (they were) and I visited with the neighbor to make sure that he avoided my yard on the rest of his trips to unload the rest of his belongings in his new house (he did) – and yes, I was very nice about it, thank you Jesus. I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Long story short, I neglected to turn the sprinkler system back on when I was done so that it would run automatically on the days that I am allowed to water my yard. The sprinklers had been turned off for over 10 days before I discovered the problem. No wonder the yard has been looking weary and parched. The grass had not been receiving what it needs to survive and make it through the long, hot drought we have been going through in Texas. I know that spiritually speaking I have gone through similar droughts. There have been times when I have been weary and tired and my soul has been parched. There have been times I have not provided myself with what I need to get through the seasons of challenges and times of trials that I face. But the truth is that refreshment and revival is readily available to all of us. The Bible says in Jeremiah 17:7
Jer 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. 8 For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.”
Maybe you are going through a tough time now. Maybe your soul is weary and tired and your spirit feels as parched as a lawn in the hot Texas sun. Maybe you should ask yourself what you might be neglecting. Have you shut down your time with the Lord or the time you spend in the Word like I shut down that sprinkler system? Have you failed to lean on Him and look to Him? If so, you can be refreshed. You can be revived. You can place your trust in the Lord, let Him meet your needs and not be anxious during this time of drought. The Lord can and will minister to you. Jesus said in John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” That is an awesome promise from our Savior. He will revive you. He will refresh you. He will soothe your spirit like cool water on a hot Texas lawn if you place your faith and trust in Him.
Thank you Pastor Stephens for your blogs that I have been reading about your back surgery. The Good Lord brought me to your site while I was with my husband trying to comfort him during his excruciating pain the day he had his fusion surgery on his l2 and l3. I wasn’t able to go with him to his neurosurgeon before his surgery as we are both self employed and he had missed a lot of work leading up to his surgery. We really weren’t prepared for the pain he would have after surgery. Back in October he had fusion surgery in his neck and woke up feeling like superman the next day. Praise God! I have been reading your blogs and others and it has helped both of us understand what’s going on. Chris’ Dr’s explained 2 days after his surgery that it could take a long time to heal but through your site I read to assure him he’s going to get better with Gods help and in time. Thank you and God bless you for your ministry .
Hi Julie, I am glad the site has been helpful. It was a good diversion for me and helped me to remind myself to stay patient and follow doctors orders. It has been over two years since my surgery and I feel very good. I lifted weights this morning and ran 3 miles. Your husband will heal in time. He will face some challenges not only with being patient but also there will be some times in the first few months when the nerves “wake up” and give him a few tingles or stingers. It will be short lived and it will pass. Keep following doctors orders and keep the faith.
You will both be in our prayers.
Blessings,
Pastor Phillip