11 Oct Finding Refreshment in Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ
by Marthe Badibanga
Life can be overwhelming, even for those of us who try to keep everything together. At some point, we all face moments when the weight of our responsibilities, emotions, or circumstances becomes too much to carry on our own. Whether it’s the daily grind that wears us down or significant life events like the breakdown of a marriage or a serious illness, it can feel like there’s no end in sight. During these times, finding refreshment feels impossible. Yet, as believers, we have a constant source of rest and peace in Jesus Christ, our Shepherd.
Jesus, Our Rest in the Storm
When Jesus says in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep,” (ESV) He’s telling us something deeply profound. He is the One who protects us, guides us, and nurtures us—often in ways we don’t even recognize until we’re out of the storm. Unlike any worldly source of comfort or temporary escape, Jesus knows exactly what our hearts need, and He offers lasting refreshment that goes beyond just physical rest.
This truth became more real to me than ever during one of the most difficult seasons of my life: a combination of divorce and a serious illness, which left me unable to keep my employment. For years, I had prided myself on being able to handle anything life threw at me. But when my marriage unravelled quite dramatically and I was diagnosed with a debilitating illness at the same time, I felt crushed. The emotional pain of a failing relationship, coupled with the physical toll of the illness, left me feeling like I was drowning in chaos.
The Shepherd Leads Us to Still Waters
Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known and loved passages in the Bible, and for good reason. It speaks to the way Jesus, our Shepherd, leads us through the darkest valleys and brings us to places of peace and refreshment. Psalm 23:1-2 says, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” (ESV)
This picture of the Shepherd leading us to green pastures and still waters isn’t just poetic imagery—it’s a promise. During that difficult season, I felt anything but rested. It seemed like my mind was constantly racing, my heart was heavy with grief, and my body was weary from the strain of illness. But Jesus kept reminding me to come to Him for rest. He would gently pull me back to His Word, where I found verses like Ps 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (ESV). Or Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV)
Even when I couldn’t see a way out of the storm, I knew that I was in the hands of the Good Shepherd. Jesus didn’t promise to take away the pain instantly or cure the illness overnight, but He did promise to walk with me through it. And in those moments when I was intentional about spending time in prayer and in His Word, I experienced a kind of peace that surpassed all understanding (Philippians 4:7). He was the still waters in my storm.
Finding Peace in Chaos
Going through a divorce is like watching the foundation of your life crumble. Everything you thought was stable and permanent suddenly feels fragile and uncertain. When you add an illness into the mix, it’s easy to feel like you’re trapped in an inescapable storm. During those long nights when the pain—both emotional and physical—kept me awake, I found myself crying out to God in desperation. It was hard to believe that peace was possible, but in those darkest moments, I began to see Jesus as my Shepherd in a new way.
Instead of trying to control the uncontrollable, I began to learn how to surrender. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ESV)
This verse took on new meaning as I realized that Jesus wasn’t asking me to pretend I was okay or to push through in my own strength. He was inviting me to let Him carry the burden with me, to rest in His care, and to find refreshment in His presence. It didn’t happen all at once, but slowly, as I gave my pain, my fears, and my uncertainties over to Him, I started to feel lighter.
There were still tough days—moments when the divorce felt too painful to bear and the illness too draining to fight—but I began to lean on Jesus in those times instead of trying to power through on my own. The more I trusted Him as my Shepherd, the more I experienced His peace. I came to understand that real refreshment isn’t about escaping our circumstances, but about finding rest in the middle of them, knowing we are safe in His care.
Finding Daily Refreshment in Jesus
The refreshment that Jesus offers isn’t a one-time fix. Just like sheep need constant care from their shepherd, we need to continually come back to Jesus for daily renewal. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life and forget to rest in His presence, but Jesus is always inviting us to come to Him.
One way I’ve learned to do this is by ending my day with quiet time in God’s Word and in prayer. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, I simply sit in silence, asking the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart. Other times, I pour out my worries and fears to God and ask for His peace. Every time, I’m reminded of Jesus’ promise in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (ESV)
Even in the midst of life’s storms, we can find true refreshment in Jesus. He doesn’t promise a life without hardship, but He does promise to walk with us, guide us, and bring us to places of peace. When we trust Him as our Shepherd, we find rest for our souls that the world cannot offer. As we navigate these tumultuous waters together—leaning on Scripture and each other—let us remember that we are never alone. Our Shepherd walks beside us every step of the way, leading us toward still waters where our souls can be restored.
The Shepherd’s Refreshment Is Always Available
If you’re feeling weary today—whether from the daily stresses of life or from a more significant storm like I faced—know that Jesus, your Shepherd, is ready to lead you to still waters. His invitation stands: Come to Him, find rest in His presence, and let Him refresh your soul. When we place our burdens in His hands, we discover that He is more than enough to carry us through, bringing us peace even in the most chaotic seasons of life.
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I have a love for writing, dedicated to sharing inspiring words to uplift others and I have a drive to make a difference. I long to see fellow Christians become all that God wants them to be. – Marthe Badibanga
From time to time, Cup of Faith receives guest posts from people who would prefer to contribute to the blog once-off. These authors may choose to stay anonymous or may have their name featured in the post itself.
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