I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His word I hope; Psalm 130:5 ESV
Series: An Invitation to Rest
On February 23, 1985, the musical recording group, DeBarge, debuted the song “Rhythm of the Night.” The first verse goes like this: “When it feels like the world is on your shoulders, and all of the madness has got you going crazy. It’s time to get out, step out into the street, where all of the action is right there at your feet, well, I know a place where we can dance all night away, underneath electric stars.” This is just one example of how our culture offers rest to our weary souls. DANCE ALL THE NIGHT AWAY? I don’t know about you, but for me, embracing where all the action is—when I am already depleted or going crazy—is only going to double my distress.
Having fun and living it up for a night can bring some release of the daily grind, but is that our goal? Don’t we want something deeper? Longer lasting? Something that gives us a feeling of peace throughout our days, even when worries come and troubles linger? This type of rest is the rest we have been sharing with you over the past few weeks. As our series, “An Invitation to Rest,” comes to a close this week, we hope you have found new ways to enjoy time with your soul restorer, Jesus.
Have you made time to sit with Him? To receive and unwrap the gift He offers? As we have explored how to find rest in our work, in our gifts, and in our busyness, one thing is steady and sure—God is always with us. We can do all things as we prioritize resting in Him and seeking Him through scripture. He has given us breath, so breathe deep sisters.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) paints a beautiful description of this:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Just be. Find your rhythm of rest in the shelter of the Most High. When we allow ourselves to “just be” with God, we find security in His perfect love. This is where we cast all our cares upon Him, because He cares for us. Christ will fill our need for refreshment every time we choose to be still with Him.
Slow down. Some of us need to pump the brakes a bit. Is this you? When you are riding your bike uphill, using all your energy to get to the top, think of the feeling of just coasting down hill for a bit. Feel the wind through your hair, the peace of God filling you, and take your time. In those moments we decelerate, we will see Him more clearly and hear His voice more fully.
Be grateful. Take your time to notice God’s fingerprints upon all things around you. Have you done this lately? Have you considered writing in a journal to document all you see and are thankful for? We know that as you do this, you see God in everything around you. Remember, you are His masterpiece!
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
Rediscover His greatness. Allow the wonder of God to penetrate you as it did when you first came to know Him. Bask in the wonder of Jesus.
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before Him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are His.We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. (Psalm 100 NLT)
Reset and reflect. We all need a reset button. A moment when we simply exchange our weakness for His strength. Romans 8:26 tells us:
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. (NLT)
Paul teaches us that God’s grace is sufficient for our every need. God’s power works perfectly in our weakness. God uses His strength to prepare us for all He purposes for us. As we enter each day, may we reflect on all that Jesus has done for us, and through us. May we find rest in Him as we enter into His shadow, abide in Him, and make room for Him. Find your rhythm. Let Him lead you into all peace, as you dwell in His beautiful presence.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Psalm 130:5, 91:1-2, 100, 33:6, 116:7; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8, 12:9; 1 Peter 5:7; Job 33:4; John 20:22; Luke 10:38-42; Mark 2:27-28, 12:30; Matthew 6:33
