God Leads Me, Provides For Me,
and Restores Me

By Tammy Nopuente, Toronto, Canada

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. – Psalm 23:2-3a

This verse sounds like a dream! Rest does not come easily or naturally to me. For as long as I can remember, I have been this way. And now as a mom of three, there is always something to do or something that someone needs from me.

We live in a world that tells us to DO, not to rest. At work, we’re told to advance our career, join more committees, build our network and put ourselves out there. In parenting, we’re told that our kids have to learn multiple languages, be in extracurricular activities like sports, music lessons and tutoring in order to be well-rounded students. In our social lives, there is a new restaurant that we must try, a new fashion or health trend to jump on, a unique pop-up experience to visit or a new app to download. There are also so many needs to support in our families, with our friends, in charities and in our church. We are constantly being asked to do more.

I have fallen into this trap multiple times. I try to be everywhere and do everything. I try to meet everyone’s needs anyway I can. My heart is in the right place, but many times I get anxious and overwhelmed because I overcommit and I don’t know how I will meet all the expectations. I burn out and shut down because I am constantly moving and giving and don’t have time to care for myself and recuperate. This verse helps me to stop and find renewed strength.

God does not want me to be overwhelmed and just “busy” doing things. He knows that the world is pulling me in all sorts of directions. God calls me to lie down and leads me beside quiet waters; He wants me to rest under His care. He provides a place where my needs are met, a place that is safe and peaceful. It’s a space reserved for me where I can find strength in Him and be refreshed. God doesn't want me to do this alone. He leads me, provides for me and restores me.

Reflection Questions

What does God do to bring you peace so you can lie down?

How has God restored your soul?

Tammy Nopuente is a Campus Recreation Coordinator at George Brown College, providing diverse and inclusive sports and recreation opportunities to 30,000 post-secondary students. When she’s not running events for her students, Tammy is the loudest and proudest mom at her children’s activities and performances. You may also find her on the volleyball court or snowboarding in the winter!