Tag: weakness

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom, Worship

Sitting In the Silence

There is so much going on in the world right now, and much of it can be overwhelming. On the flipside, it is tempting just to ignore it ala ‘ostrich style’ and bury our heads in the sand. We don’t really have that luxury, though!

Here and abroad, violence, politics, and social issues are taking up many of the headlines, not to mention retaliation, fearmongering, persecution, misunderstandings, and twisting the Truth. Some of these issues affect people I know, while others are more distant. But on the whole, they are concerning. We are moving ever-closer to the end (Revelation!).

In times like these, I am more grateful for the hope we have in Jesus. We don’t have to shoulder these burdens alone. We can submit all our fears and concerns to Him; Jesus is more than capable and will take care of them in His timing.

It is good to be aware, stay informed, speak up, and take action. But sometimes, it is best to disconnect from the media and stay close to the Lord. As we fix our gaze on Him, He calms our hearts and instills courage. He may lead us to get involved in an issue, or He may direct us stay the course and carry on with whatever He has already told us to do. It’s unlikely I will change the whole world, but I can impact my little corner of it. (Galatians 5:22-23 and Galatians 6:9).

I find that being too busy is the worst thing when I want to hear from the Lord and find His peace. I have to let go of expectations, turn off the noise, lay aside my phone, and just sit with Him so I can tune in and listen. I might read the Bible or journal. I might sit in silence or sing a worship song. The goal is to seek God’s heart, and that takes time and intention.

Artificial Intelligence can make it difficult to know what is true, similar to someone fired up on the internet! Pick a topic; either way, people make assumptions and generally don’t check the facts or care to present all sides of the issue.

Yet, when we sit in silence and wait on the Lord, we are reminded that all Truth belongs to Jesus because He is the Truth (John 14:6). All details, data, and decisions must be filtered through His lens. Sitting in silence does not mean remaining silent or squandering a God-given opportunity to make a difference. It just means submitting to the Lord’s timing and plan first, waiting on Him instead of forging ahead on my own.

When I read a post online, sometimes I wonder if I am doing “enough.” People debate whether Jesus would do this or that… when statistics show they’ve likely never read the Bible in its entirety. Do they actually know the real Jesus, or just a cultural idea of Him? Then, I think about all I do daily to provide insight or to listen to patients, friends, family, etc. I would much rather pray and respond in my actual life than get into a heated debate with a stranger I’ll never meet in person or someone I only run into a few times a year (or less).

I don’t generally share all my thoughts and opinions in person, let alone on the internet! But that doesn’t mean I don’t have ideas to share. I generally prefer to wait, gather well-rounded information, and share it with those I know personally. We don’t have to agree, but we can have a respectful conversation!

The key for me is sitting with the Lord and listening, so I know what to say when the Holy Spirit gives me the opportunity. His words are life and peace. We have the ability to bring His merciful conviction or gracious comfort to a world in desperate need. But, we can’t be in a rush or ignore Him!

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Lord, thanks for giving us peace, grace, wisdom, and courage. Help us listen to You today and be willing to pivot in a new direction, as needed. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a difficult time hearing from God? What is He telling you today?

Task: Sit with the Lord today. Lay aside any distractions and be willing to sit in silence, if that’s what it takes. Write down anything He tells you for future reference.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Miscellaneous, Prayer, Worship

Well-Nourished

Last week, I had a cool conversation with a Veteran, and it confirmed I am right where God wants me! And to think, I almost missed the call! I ended up calling him about half an hour later because I had overlooked the appointment on my schedule. Ooops!

The man answered the phone right away and was forgiving. He was a little younger than me and had several food issues, including ulcerative colitis and food allergies, that were causing him much stress, fear, and anxiety. It was such an interesting conversation, and God opened a door to talk about spiritual matters.

Of course, we reviewed some strategies to help him avoid certain foods. We talked about how to communicate his needs to his family and about having a separate spot for some of his favorite foods, so he doesn’t feel left out. We discussed symptom management regarding his other eating issues. We came up with a game plan.

Then, I brought up how the vagus nerve is part of our fight or flight mechanism, and it connects the brain to the gut. If someone is mentally anxious, that can affect how well the gut processes food. Similarly, if the gut is struggling to digest something, that can impact the health of the brain. So, for this Veteran, it was cyclical!

We also talked about stress management and coping skills. He agreed that talking with a mental health counselor could be helpful. Then, he shared some spiritual concepts he is learning, and I let the conversation go that way. I am not paid to talk about Jesus, but I am allowed to share my faith. I don’t ever start with that, but it is always surprising how many people need spiritual support and connection. At the VA, we treat the whole person, and I am grateful to meet each person’s needs individually!

Subtly, I worked to apply Scripture to this man’s anxiety and fear. I said we are commanded to renew our minds (Romans 12:1-2), and that fear is not from God (2 Timothy 1:7). I explained how our enemy could be using his food issues to distract him from his greater purpose. I told the Veteran he could trust God with his meals, since Jesus wants the best for him and wants him well-nourished. At last, a lightbulb went on, and he said, “So I don’t have to be afraid. I can stay calm and use my Epi-Pen, if needed. It doesn’t have to be life or death every day!” He was both in awe and relieved.

At some point, this Veteran asked if I was a Christian. When I said yes, he asked if he could pray for me, and I could pray for him. I was happy to participate and prayed that God would give him peace and show him the power he has over his thoughts.

Later, I got to share with some of my coworkers what God had done. We talked about His goodness, faithfulness, and timing. Moreover, I was so happy God could use me both nutritionally and spiritually!

Food is nourishment, but so is God’s word! We can’t help others on our own; we need to be in our Bible daily, soaking it up so we have something to share. Last week, it was amazing to see the work Jesus has done in my heart, enabling me to call out fear in others and teach them to combat it with Scripture. Thank You, Lord!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for using me to change this Veteran’s life by giving him a new perspective. Help him continue to make progress in renewing his mind. Give him health and guide our next conversation at his follow-up in a couple of weeks! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How has the Lord been using you lately to bless others? How can you renew your mind with Scripture today?

Tasks: Take a few minutes to praise God for how far He has brought you. He is so faithful and good. Then, listen to this song, “Won’t Start Now,” by Seph Schlueter.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Pivot

Finding Grace #513

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

This week was quieter than expected, but still good! I worked one full day (Monday) and then only two-and-a-half hours on Tuesday. Lydia has been sick on and off since the Friday before Christmas, so we’ve mostly been staying home. 

We were invited to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert with friends, but we had to skip it because Lydia was sick. It would have been really cool, but it was for the best! We also canceled an appointment and two get-togethers with friends. Thankfully, we can reschedule those!

With Lydia down, I had some “extra” time to do quiet activities around the house. (I had already taken off Wednesday and Friday, plus had off Thursday anyway.) I caught up on some paperwork, read some books, started my next online course for church, cooked some meals, deep-cleaned a few areas, and exercised. It was really nice to have unhurried time.

My neighbors on either side of us were really kind to help clear my sidewalks this week. I cleared some snow before dawn, knowing the snow company would clear the main driveway. Later, I left work an hour early on Monday to do the sidewalks before my chiropractor appointment (instead of after), but the two men had already done them! I was so grateful and took some cookies to each of them. Plus, it was good to check in with each family and thank them for being good neighbors!

Well, Lydia was in bed most of the week and is starting to feel better now. I think we will watch church online tomorrow, just in case she is still contagious. Hopefully, next week everything will be back to normal!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Gratitude, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Pivot, Wisdom

Living Within Our Limitations

As you may know, I usually write my blog posts on Tuesday nights. Sometimes I start them on Sunday or Monday, if I have a specific idea, but I always finish on Tuesdays (and make final edits on Wednesday mornings before publishing and sharing).

Some of this is just my creative process, but a lot of it is certain limitations, such as time. Often, I have an idea, but it is not fleshed out yet. Or, I have several interesting occurrences or random pieces of information I want to talk about but I have to figure out if they are connected or not.

So, yesterday was Tuesday, but I was late getting home due to the weather and traffic limitations. We received a lot of blowing snow during the day and that slowed everything down in the evening! I also had to clear snow when I got home in the evening. My hired snow removal service came eventually, but I still had to do my part!

Free Pine Cone photo and picture

Thankfully, I had anticipated all of this and wrote half my blog early – even the part about getting home late! 😉 But I wanted to sit with the idea of limitations. We all have them, but they may impact us each in different ways.

I have already mentioned the limitations of time, weather, and traffic. We also have health problems, pain and grief, financial limitations, age restrictions, family challenges, work issues, and more. The holidays also present us with opportunities to trust God.

In particular, Christmas tends to amplify whatever problems are already present. But, don’t let yourself get stuck by your limits. Lean into Jesus and call on Him for help!

Jesus didn’t just come as a cute little baby. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He reigns over all! Every problem has to come under his authority and jurisdiction. We have Victory in Jesus’ Name.

So, here’s a fun update! My Tuesday was busy but pretty good. At work, I had a challenging patient, but he left feeling confident, so I am calling it a win. I got just enough done to feel accomplished, and I also received some good news!

Throughout the day, we received several inches of heavy, wet snow, but the drive home was fairly easy. I got home a few minutes late, but all things considered, it wasn’t too bad. I praised God the whole way home!

I cleared a little snow, but left most of it for my snow service. Because I had already started my blog, it didn’t take as long in the evening. So, I was able to spend time with Lydia, watching a Christmas movie!

When we pray, we literally bring Heaven to Earth… God’s will here as it is there. We may not see the result right away, but we can trust Jesus is on the move. He always answers when we call – yes, no, or not yet.  So, today, whether you are in the midst of calm or chaos, peace or pressure, lean into Jesus. He covers our limitations with His presence and mighty power!

Yes, when we acknowledge our limitations and humbly ask for help, Jesus comes to the rescue! His very Name implies salvation, and He loves to show Himself strong on our behalf! So, don’t give up! Keep seeking Jesus and keep moving forward!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for taking good care of me, despite my many limitations. You do all things well! Help me trust You more, and not rely on my own feeble strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do your limitations hold you back or lead you to Jesus? How has Jesus proved Himself strong on your behalf this week?

Tasks: Don’t let yourself get stuck by your limits. Lean into Jesus. call on Him for help, and keep moving forward!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Wisdom, Worship

Holding Space During the Holidays

Well, we made it to December! It has already been an interesting month. On Monday, we had work and school, followed by a funeral and a class in the evening. It was a lot to juggle!

The funeral was for a thirteen-year-old girl, someone Lydia knew a bit from church. They were in the youth group together, though they went to different schools. They were two months apart, so her sudden death was very sad and shocking. We attended the visitation (skipping the funeral) because I also needed to take Lydia home before returning for my church leadership class in a separate area.

Free Wreath Flowers photo and picture

The funeral was still happening when I walked back into the building, and I heard several students talking about how the girl had made a difference in their lives. She loved Jesus and seemed to be very sweet and encouraging.

My class was the final meeting of the semester, and we had pizza for dinner, a lesson on prayer, and then a white elephant gift exchange! It was a lot of fun, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity.

During the training, we prayed for the family of the girl who died. We discussed how to hold space for these two different events of the night – the funeral and the training/party. We can rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

It’s not easy, but it is important to honor the sadness and grief while also moving forward and celebrating Life. The holidays seem to be full of these situations, don’t they?

This year feels like it flew by, with so many personal wins, but there’s also sadness because my mom died in February. This time of year is challenging for other reasons anyway, including Dave’s birthday, Christmas, and the fact that he’s not here either.

But, I also recognize how GOOD God is through all of it. Jesus very much understands the dual nature of sorrow and joy. He was a Man of Sorrows, yet He also possessed the fullness of God’s joy (Psalm 16:11). Somehow, He held both simultaneously and remained faithful to His mission.

If Jesus can hold space for emotional duality, so can we. I know from experience this is true. While I don’t know what you are facing this Christmas season, Jesus does. He loves you deeply and cares about your concerns.

It is okay to feel conflicted, whatever you are experiencing. None of it is a surprise to the Lord. Take a little time to rest. Then, bring all of your emotions to Jesus and let Him help you sort them out. He really wants to be there for you, if you will let Him.

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Father God, thank you for the gift of Life and for emotions to express how we feel. Help us hold space for all You are doing in us and through us this holiday season. Bring us comfort and peace as we trust You and lean into all You have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you holding up so far this week? Do you have any helpful tips for the holiday season?

Task: Take a few minutes and check in with Jesus and tell Him how you really feel. Don’t stay stuck in your emotions; let them be indicators, not dictators.

Posted on in Finding Grace Weekly Recap, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Personality

Finding Grace #500

You may have seen the acronym GRACE as God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Grace is also God’s unmerited favor, or God doing for us what we cannot.

I find grace overflowing with God’s love, joy, peace, blessings, mercy, power, provision, protection, and wisdom. Thank You, Jesus!

Free Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch photo and picture

Where did I find God’s love and favor—His abundant grace—this week?!

Hey, hey! This is my 500th “Finding Grace” weekly recap! I am so glad to still be blogging and I am amazed at all God has done in my life over the last decade or so! Thank you for your support and faithfulness in reading!

This week was unusually hot for September and October! However, I will enjoy the heat as long as it lasts, because soon enough it will be quite the opposite! I don’t mind the cold, but it is nice not to have to worry about driving or walking in the ice and snow.

I was a little stressed and perturbed early in the week, but God came through for me. He always does! Everything that I was worried about ended up turning out just fine. Thanks, Lord!

I had an important appointment this week that I had been praying about for weeks. God answered my prayers, and I am really grateful since I was nervous. I have some decisions to make now, but I am excited for the possibilities. (I will share more in the future, assuming I go through with it!) 🙂

Today, Lydia and I served at a special church event. We served in the kids’ ministry and had eleven two-year-olds. I lost track of how many stinky diapers I changed and how many kids I took to the ‘potty!’ But, we had fun and the little ones did so well.  In the evening, we attended a pickleball gathering (my first time!) and had dinner. It was great to get to know our church family better!

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These are only a few examples, but God’s grace never runs out!

There’s grace in every situation—we just need to look for it. God promises if we seek Him, we will find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13)!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Food and Nutrition, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Parenting, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot

Pasta and Feeling Perturbed

Yesterday, I woke up with a sore neck and spent most of the day trying to stretch or rub the affected area. Periodically, at work, I noticed I was slouching a bit and clenching my jaw, which didn’t help the pain. I tried to correct my posture, of course.

Also, I had a few stressful moments at work and knew I needed to refocus. By the time I got home, I was trying to relax; however, I was still a bit agitated. Lydia then asked me to pick her up from the high school a block away because she was hot, and it was hot outside.

I agreed to pick up Lydia, although she is fully capable of walking to and from school. Still, when I saw her, I was a little annoyed to see that she was wearing sweatpants and Uggs — definitely not a good choice when it is 80+ degrees! Teenagers…  🙂

Free Noodles Pasta photo and picture

I decided to make pasta for dinner, specifically, a box of cavatappi noodles. These are like corkscrews, and I was eager to enjoy them since the shape was kinda fun.

Well, I left the kitchen and asked Lydia to finish the noodles. I expected her to wait until they were fully cooked and then drain them. For whatever reason, she only watched them for a couple of minutes before draining the noodles. Apparently, Lydia likes them still crunchy, but I prefer them softer.

Well, the only way to fix the noodles would have been to reboil them. I didn’t want to do that… I was too hungry and too irked to wait! Lydia could tell I was a little grouchy and apologized several times. I told her it was fine, but that her saying sorry was also “too much,” especially just for pasta.

After dinner, we each went our own ways. I started my blog post (this one!) and she worked on some homework downstairs. About when I got to this point, I went downstairs to check on Lydia. I apologized for my bad attitude, and she again apologized for the undercooked pasta. 🙂

My neck still hurt, but I needed to keep moving forward. I happened to read a little table calendar with a short prayer: “Lord, help me to rest in You, keep a quiet heart, and look forward with hopeful expectation to the things You are working together for good.”

Free Poppy Flower photo and picture

I started to thank God for all the ways He has been moving lately. We’ve had amazing weather, uncharacteristically warm (but not too hot). I’m on top of my winter house preparations list. Lydia has been doing well at school, and work can get crazy, but I appreciate having a good job. We have plenty of food and clothes. I have amazing friends and an awesome family. So, I just need to chill.

I have no reason to stay perturbed for long. If things don’t go my way, it’s not the end of the world. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Thankfully, I was able to get over myself, lol!

On some level, these minor annoyances can also be viewed as a spiritual attack. The enemy only pushes us when we are making progress. When he feels threatened, he tries to trip us up. If I weren’t doing something important, he wouldn’t bother. So, consider this a reminder to check your pride and ego, as well as anything that might hinder your progress. Use God’s armor to remind our enemy of the Victory we already have in Jesus!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for being in my corner. Forgive me for my bad attitude. Help me walk in Your Truth with eyes wide open. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: How have you turned a bad attitude around to praise God?

Task: Don’t live by your feelings, but pay attention when you are in a funky mood. Catch it, check it, and change it!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Kindness, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

A Few Good Quotes

I usually finish writing my Wednesday post on Tuesday evening, and I usually make it my main priority. But, occasionally, I need to focus on other things. Sometimes, it is just good to take a break and rest. This week has been busy, so it’s a bit of both!

So, for this week’s post, I am keeping it simple. I decided to share a few quotes I have been collecting and just give a few insights and let you mull on them as well! I do not remember all the sources, sorry, but if I find them, I will link them.

The first three are from some excellent sermons on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). This is the first in the series, but they have all been good!

Our shield of faith is not just for protection; it is also for advancement. We don’t just hold it up when attacks come, but we can “hide” behind it while taking ground in Jesus’ Name. For me, this is a mental game-changer. It reminds me I have the responsibility to take action.

Faith is acting like God is telling the truth.  Essentially, our enemy’s strategy is to use anything – good or bad – to make us distrust God. (God can use those to bring Him glory and us good.)  So, when we believe God and do what He says, we fight against the lies.

Free Fat Chicken Stonecrop photo and picture

Hope is when your present borrows strength and hope from you future. No matter how grand, the things of this world will always disappoint us. But, Jesus is our Living Hope and our future is secure!

God did not redeem us only to abandon us. I don’t recall the source, but it does remind me of the line, “God did not bring you this far, only to bring you this far.” Lies can creep in and make us doubt God’s love and presence. But, He is with us and for us!

Preach the gospel to yourself daily. Remind yourself that apart from King Jesus, you are dust. Not to be outdone, check out this line, attributed to Jonathan Edwards: “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Well, that’s enough to keep me humble!

Slow days still count. I have been staying up late to get things done, and as you know, you can’t do that for long without feeling it. For the last week or so, I have felt a little run-down and have been intentionally trying to rest. I took a nap on Sunday and am being kind to myself by ending my post… here. 😉 Thanks for reading!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for giving us wisdom and guidance. May we live out our faith with boldness. Help us to know when to move forward and when to rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Question: Have you heard any other good quotes lately?

Task: Think about the quotes above and how you might apply them to your life. I’d love to know your thoughts!

Posted on in Being Gracious, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Personality, Pivot, Prayer, Wisdom

On Finding Balance

It’s that time of year again! School, church, and community activities are ramping up. I don’t know about you, but I can quickly become overwhelmed with all the expectations thrust upon me, including the perceived pressure to say ‘yes’ to everything.

As Paul wrote, we must “redeem the time because the days are evil” (see Ephesians 5:16). Enough is going on in the world that we don’t have time to waste. Jesus is coming soon!

It seems the idea of finding balance is a myth. At best, we can manage competing priorities, but still one or another will always be at odds with the rest, demanding more of our time. We can’t do it all in our own strength. Everything we truly need (and need to do) is in Jesus.

I heard someone say that being fully present is one key to enjoying life as it comes. For example, when at work, do your best there. At home, stay fully committed to family life. If at the beach, be at the beach, not on your phone playing video games. In any situation, we can be ‘all in’ wherever we are. It does not mean we aren’t planning a few steps ahead, but rather we’re not distracted.

Free Hand Write photo and picture

Not too long ago, I received a couple of extra requests for my time. I normally enjoy these activities and using my skills. However, I am still holding back a little to ensure I have the energy and clarity to attend to Lydia and my other obligations.

I asked God what to do but was still on the fence until I prayerfully ran my ideas by someone. She asked me a few questions, and I explained my hesitation. We went through the ideas of good, better, best. Just because something is good, doesn’t mean it is the best.

I mentioned previous experiences with saying yes to too much, and how it made me less available for other things that actually were God’s best for me. She and I talked a little more, and she felt I could say no to the new requests. I had peace after that, knowing God would provide the right people in His time.

No joke, the next night, Lydia needed my 100% focus and energy. She had homework questions and was having a mini meltdown. If I were not home, she would have been stuck until I returned, and we would have been up late into the night. As it was, I was able to calm her down and help her find a resolution. Whew!

Free Lake Forest photo and picture

I’m so thankful Jesus knows our hearts and set an example for us. He demonstrated the need to take time away for solitude, rest, and prayer. We cannot hear our Heavenly Father if we are always running around or heading out the door!

That does not mean we never sign up to help people. Serving others is so important. We have an opportunity for growth and refinement. As we come together, we can work through any conflict. We learn how to show up even when it is difficult or inconvenient. For me, knowing the difference starts with having a good attitude. And that is so much easier to maintain when I am well-rested and able to focus on Jesus.

The idea behind all of this – whatever decisions we make – is to be quick to move, but not run ahead of God. We move in step with Jesus. When He speeds up, so do we. When He slows down or leads us to rest, then we follow.

Balance may be an illusion, but Jesus is the real deal. He knows exactly what we need and when. Either way, may we stay close enough to hear His whisper. Don’t make Him shout to get your attention! 😉

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Heavenly Father, thanks for answering my prayers and giving me wisdom and discernment. I pray each opportunity will have me pointing people back to You. May my ‘yeses’ be all in with a good attitude! And may I have peace when I need to say no. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you notice a shift in your mood when you have too many commitments? What would it feel like to pare down? Would you find more peace, joy, and rest?

Tasks: List out your top priorities and ask God if anything needs to change. Check in with Him before adding anything new to your list!

Posted on in Miscellaneous, Personality, Pivot, Worship

Rest Is A Command

Yesterday, I saw this quote on Substack, in green below. I took a screenshot to share with you, but what stood out to me is that rest is not an option or nice suggestion. As we read in Hebrews 4, it’s a command. Rest is found in Jesus alone.

In Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV), Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus gives us the permission and freedom to make rest a priority.

Rest is a way we show our faith. We prove our trust in God when we are willing to lay aside our work and take a break. Even when we still have a lot to do, we understand that He will provide for us. We step away from busyness and choose to let God work on our behalf. He can craft circumstances in our favor, so whatever we get “done” will be enough.

Rest does not mean hurrying to finish our ‘work’ to block time to relax. It can involve pacing your tasks, but that’s not the point. We should rest – and check in with the Lord – either way.

Rest means leaving your to-do list, if needed. This one is hard for me to remember. I feel like I need to get everything done first. I am learning to manage my energy and lean into God’s rest, which also includes Sabbath. We unplug and turn off all the noise to walk with the Lord at His pace.

Rest can include going to bed at a decent time. I’m constantly working on this. Somehow, it changes each season for me, but I am getting more sleep than I used to! Rest days from exercise are also important because your body gets stronger with recovery.

As I incorporate more rest, my house might just be a little messier… but I am enjoying myself more! I like watching the bunnies play outside and listening to the birds sing. Last night, I was mesmerized by the pouring rain and lightning, and I took a moment to thank the Lord for His provision to keep me warm and dry at home.

Free Colorful Zinnia Blooming photo and picture

Rest is not laziness. It takes a lot of effort to learn how to chill! It is challenging to let go and not try to figure out all the details. Rest requires setting aside certain expectations and people pleasing. But, the joy and peace, are worth it.

Rest is part of restoration. God often brings healing in our downtime. We tend to race ahead and risk missing all He has for us. Pause periodically to check in with the Lord and see what He has for you. Find His rhythm for your life. I promise it is for your benefit.

This song has been on my heart this week. I keep singing these lyrics over and over: “Everything I need, my Father has it. The Lord will provide.”

God is so good, and He is not “empty-handed.” He gives us infinite blessings, and it’s our job to rest in Him and trust Him to provide. He loves showing off His power on our behalf. But, we have to let him!

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Heavenly Father, thanks for all You do for me. Help me walk at Your pace and not run ahead. Give me peace and rest as I trust in You. I know You have good things in store for me. Help me wait on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: How are you entering God’s rest this week? Is it difficult for you to relax?

Task: God gives us so much grace through the principle of rest. Slow down, hit pause, listen, wait for Him, and make every effort to enter His rest today.