Suggestive Relaxation

In the oft recited 23rd Psalm there is a phrase I am learning to appreciate. David writes: The Shepherd makes or lets me rest in green meadows and leads me beside quiet streams. (vs.2). So which is it? Make or let?

I did a little research and the one thought that bubbled to the top was the Shepherd cannot make the sheep lay down. They won’t do that until all their needs are met. Therefore, because verse 1 is true, verse 2 is possible.

But sometimes I don’t know all my needs are met because I’m so hyper-focused on my wants. I’m stomping through the wilderness wondering about when my next meal is coming (next provision) and I practically trip right over it. I’m such a dumb sheep.

But there is also a rich gift here that I have only too recently begun to recognize and appreciate.

Last fall I began utilizing a program of hypnosis/suggested relaxation to address my food/weight issues. The first thing I realized was that I didn’t know how to relax.

I have often said that as the oldest child of alcoholics (albeit functioning ones) I learned early on to be hyper-vigilant. This was a must for self-protection and in my attempts to keep my siblings from upsetting the parents. The latter was not something I did very well. The residual effects of these behaviors has left me constantly busy and pretty good at reading an audience.

Relaxing has too often felt self-indulgent. It reminds me of a book title I saw once, “When I Relax I Feel Guilty.” Intriguing while it might have been, I didn’t have the time to read it.

But rest is something different. It is holy. It is gift. It will also be the topic of my next sermon series. I found a quote which caused me to pause and reflect on my need to make more room in my life for this holy gift. The quote is from Jerry Flora’s book, “Classic Friends (p. 15).”

“On relaxing: Once Abbot Anthony was conversing, with some brethren, and a hunter who was after game in the wilderness came upon them. He say Abbot Anthony and the brothers enjoying themselves, and disapproved. Abbot Anthony said: “Put an arrow in your bow and shoot it.” This he did. “Now shoot another,” said the elder. “And another, and another.” The hunter said: “If I bend my bow all the time it will break.” Abbot Anthony replied: “So it is also in the work of God. If we puts ourselves beyond measure, the brethren will soon collapse. It is right, therefore, from time to time, to relax their efforts.”

Once upon a time a pastor was chastised by a hard working peer when found engaged in a soul-feeding pastime. The peer proudly pronounced that since Satan never took a day off, neither would they. Clearly unimpressed, the resting pastor, compassionately responded with a clear redirection: My friend you are following the wrong example. Then went onto to point out that even God rested from creative labor.

I’m not sure what you’ll be able to take away from this. I hope that you can sense the provision, presence, and promise of the Shepherd…and that you find rest for your soul. There really are green pastures and quiet streams just for you.