The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3

“Will you ever learn?” is the cry of an exasperated heart. It is often, “How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?” Cue a heavy, dramatic sigh. It can be incredibly frustrating to repeat the same thing to someone continuously. You hope for change, searching for a sign that they’re even listening to you. Lack of follow-through leads to disillusionment, and often, resentment. Chances are we’ve wondered if God feel this way towards us . . . have you?

But this is not his way. “Learn from me,” he whispers time and time again, “for I am gentle and lowly in heart.” The Bible makes it clear that Jesus is rooting for us in every moment. He even sits in Heaven praying for us constantly! His invitation to learn from him is one marked by his patience and total knowledge of our weakness. We are prone to falter, but he has promised to forgive.

Another word for “disciple” is “learner.” When we become disciples of Jesus, we commit to learning from him for the rest of our lives! Jesus’ perspective reminds us that we are free to try, fail, and start again, always and only in his grace. All he wants from us is teachable hearts. In living this way, Jesus assures us, “You will find rest for your souls. “Today, instead of beating yourself up when you fall short, will you simply ask Jesus to teach and help you?

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.