sincere thoughts
The idea of rest seems foreign to some of us. There is just so much to do, so much to accomplish in a day. Sit down and gaze at the clouds - what!? People who do that are lazy! Ever think this way? I have. Until I decided to do a season of resting. I eliminated my distractions and forced my (very social) self to be alone, read the Bible and journal. The first week I felt like someone was physically ripping parts of me away. I ached. I longed for interaction, but I had made a choice to "rest." It was hard at first, but after that first week, I got in a rhythm, and after a couple weeks, I couldn't wait to just be alone and think on things and write in my journal and read the Word. That time was revolutionary for me. It didn't change my normal living too much after this appropriated time, but it allow me to understand and value REST.
Rest rejuvenates us. It helps us remember what is important. It allows us to be energized for deeper thoughts and greater creativity. It eliminates distraction so God can speak to us again; that still small voice becomes a little bit louder. Rest centers us. It allows us to hear our very breath and begin an awareness of the stillness of life that doesn't seem to exist in the busyness of our "normal" days. This season of rest spoke to me in a way that no other time did. It allowed me to value the idea of resting in my work as well. I have this natural perfectionist idealism in life and so much striving leads to burnout. Now I can rest while I work because my attitude was reset. I know ultimately I can only do what I can do, and God has to do the remaining part. Working out of a place of rest is also very life-giving in this way! Stress levels are reduced and joy is added in large measure! John 15:5-8 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." When we rest in God, we bear much fruit...we can ask whatever we wish and it will be done for us...it glorifies God...and shows that we are disciples of Jesus. I'm telling you, it's worth it. Let me encourage you each and every day to REST in HIM. He is the SOURCE. Just sit in His lap and listen and be led. This life is about a journey with God. Don't forget that in the midst of busyness.
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August 2018
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