“And He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.‘ ” Exodus 33:14

Receiving Rest

As I continue on the journey I’m on, I do my best to take care of myself. I guess you could say I do the “possible” while I continue to ask God for the “impossible” of bringing healing to my body. I eat well. I take good vitamins. I get good sleep. I exercise every day. I try to find things that bring refreshment and refueling to my heart. I do everything I can in terms of self-care.

On our “unexpected journey” these last years, I had to learn how to receive rest from the Lord. I could never have survived the journey without that. In this new season I’m finding I need that rest from the Lord even more! Perhaps I’m just catching up from all I’ve been through. Or it could be having grief thrown into the mix…but, whatever it is, I’m finding I have to press deeper and deeper into the rest that only God can give.

For me it’s meant some very specific things:

  • Slowing my activity down so that I can receive His rest.
  • Meditating on His word, His promises…and believing that they are available for me right now in my daily life.
  • Sitting quietly in His presence and just letting His spirit wash over me.
  • Allowing the Lord to speak into my thoughts, my memories as they come while I process the emotions of my grief.
  • Being careful not to block the pain when it bubbles up in my heart, but allowing the Lord to pour His healing balm into it.
  • Seeking His wisdom to tackle the endless “to do” list rather than trying to rush ahead and just get everything done.

I think in some ways I’m “catching up” after 5+ intense years. The well has been drained way down, and God is pouring in fresh, living water to fill me up again. I was recently reflecting on Elijah. He had some wonderful victories – but then he was faced with weariness and discouragement. God met him with sleep and rest. He provided bread and water from a ministering angel. He spoke encouragement to him in a gentle whisper, and then He brought him a helper. God didn’t rebuke him and tell him he was a failure! He understood his weariness, and helped him.

I’ve found myself worshipping the Lord and thanking Him for the rest He’s bringing to me. It’s what I need right now, and God in His faithfulness is meeting me once again. I’m so grateful. He knows just what I need.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Dearest Jesus, thank you that you know us and love us just as we are. Help us understand and receive the gift of rest that You designed for us. You are a good God and we can rest without fear in your faithfulness and unfailing love. Please continue to bless Sally with Your presence.