An essential balance

Scripture lesson: Psalm 23

‘[God] makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.” Psalm 23.2-3 (New Revised Standard Version)

Jesus made it clear to his disciples that he “came not to be served but to serve.” At the core of Christian discipleship is the call to service. Thus we nurture our children to be kind to others (including those who are not kind to us), to participate in mission trips, and to volunteer when opportunities arise to make the world a more habitable place.

But in the midst of our caring a question haunts us: do we care for ourselves in ways that replenish the strength to love? I hear stories of people who regularly offer themselves for the good of others, yet complain of exhaustion. Have we forgotten God’s desire to restore our souls?

In the twelfth century Bernard of Clairvaux shared these words with his monks: “I cannot see myself being enriched by your wasting of your powers. For if you are mean to yourself, to whom will you be good?” Do we give God ample opportunity to transform weariness into vitality?

In Psalm 23 I find a prescription of green pastures and still waters for faithful souls who have become weary. Better yet, these gifts of rest and replenishment are available for our enjoyment prior to the onset of exhaustion. Amid our desire to respond positively to the call to love others, may we also say ‘yes’ to God’s longing to keep us fresh and vibrant. With such faith, our caring can be nourishing for those we seek to help and for ourselves.

Prayer: O God of abundant life: help us to create the space in which you may nourish us as only you can, that we may grow in our relationship with you and in our devotion to be servants of the common good in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

~ by Rev. Dr. Edward Horstmann on February 27, 2007.