The Park

The Park

He refreshes my soul

Ps 23:3

What makes a city beautiful? Opinions vary. But for me, one of the greatest contributing factors are the green spaces that break up its urban sprawl. Parks add colour through the seasons, bring nature into the city and allow people to breathe.

Recently, I was working in a new city and starting to feel a little overwhelmed by its sheer size and frenetic pace of life. My inner conversation became, ‘Thank God I don’t live in the middle of all this’ and ‘Get me out of this urban jungle’.

Then I found a large park, right near the city centre. What a contrast! I found some solitude, head space and peace in the midst of the urban jungle. And breathing deeply of the sights and sound of nature, changed my attitude to the city. Maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

Every busy life needs a few ‘parks’ – spaces to step into from the hustle and bustle of everyday life; places that do your soul good, allow you to reconnect with God and regain perspective.

It may be the ‘park’ of a quiet place to think, or reading a good book, listening to uplifting music, doing a hobby, walking the hills or riding your bike. Whatever does your spirit and soul good, is your ‘park’ in the midst of the city.

It’s an everyday choice. You have to consciously step out of the busyness into the peace of your ‘park’. And if you will ‘still and quiet your soul’ (Ps 131:2), God will meet and refresh you there (Ps 46:10).

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, faithfully leads me to ‘green pastures, beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul’ (Ps 23:1-3).

It’s time to go to the park.

#lifeisaparable

About

Stephen Matthew is a gifted Bible teacher, author and committed church-builder with over 40 years of experience in Christian ministry.