Psalm 23: 1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake."

I am an avid list-maker.

I create and pin-up lists that track my every move. From the basic "To Do" list on the "Reminders" app on my iPhone to the dozens of sticky notes that I stick everywhere I go, my lists follow me constantly.

Lately, while checking off each little box rewards me with a momentary sense of accomplishment and organization, my lists have become more of a stress-creator, than a stress-reliever.

Each unchecked box serves as a reminder of the things I haven't done, while each list looms and casts feelings of remorse and anxiety for my future tasks.

Often in each of our lives, we want to be "on top" so badly that before we know it, our lives become a whirl-wind of impending obligations and tasks. With the holidays and 2017 in the horizon, it's easy to start making mental check-lists and filling our schedules with so many activities that our lists seem to resemble a raging sea, rather than a steady-flowing current.

In Psalm 23, David writes of the refreshing and calming powers of the Lord.

When reading this Psalm, I like to picture myself lying in an enormous, green pasture. The air is crisp and my anxious heart becomes content, as the Lord smiles rays of sunshine down upon my face. I fear nothing and feel invincible, for I trust in the Lord's power to melt my anxious thoughts away.

Although my imagination may be slightly silly, it rings for truth. As our lists begin to control us and the current pulls us down, God pulls us up and away. He leads us beside "still waters" and comforts us through each and every obligation we take-on.

While lists may lurk, we can be comforted, for the Lord's hand is always outstretched, ready to lead us to relaxation and to our ultimate salvation.

Make lists, plan for the future, but don't let your emerging procession of unchecked boxes control you.