As with many of you sitting here reading this post, I don’t rest enough. I don’t answer God’s call to allow Him to work in my life. I feel this need to control it all and do it. Why can’t I get the fact that His ways are much better than mine? And while He is working I can enjoy all he has given me.
My dear friend Jennifer forwarded me this excerpt from her daily study of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and it really impressed upon me what God has been teaching me. I think it is something you will enjoy too!
Rest in my Presence when you need refreshment. Resting is not necessarily idleness, as people often perceive it. When you relax in My company, you are demonstrating trust in Me. Trust is a rich word, laden with meaning and direction for your life. I want you to lean on, trust, and be confident in Me. When you lean on Me for support, I delight in your trusting confidence.
Many people turn away from Me when they are exhausted. They associate Me with duty and diligence, so they try to hide from My Presence when they need a break from work. How this saddens Me! As I spoke through My prophet Isaiah: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.
(Prov 3:5; Isaiah 30:15)
How Refreshing! Thanks!
Psalm 23 is so well-known, but it starts with rest.: 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. (Psalm 23:1-2). He MAKES me lie down…he MAKES me rest. The Lord wants us to rest in Him because it is then that he can restore our soul. The rest of the Psalm is the Lord leading us through happiness and trials. But we must first rest in Him and be restored to face what He will lead us through. Excellent reminder, Kelly and Jennifer!
Wow..that could not have come at a more needed time! Thank you for that refreshing reminder!