“Rest anyone?” This week has been anything but restful… Rising early in the morning, shower and shave, gulp down a cup of coffee and jump on the merry-go-round of life for a fast ride. Eat food if you remember too, in the blink of an eye you slide under the covers it’s night, feeling as if you had participated in a war, only to realize it’s time to get on the run again.
Demands from life drain you, body, mind and soul. Perhaps we should learn from our Creator and take time to rest. I don’t mean sleeping in late, which in my world rarely happens, but stopping to find renewal. Breathing in deeply all the Lord has provided and allowing Him to refresh us.
I am reminded that on the seventh day God, who created the universe, the earth and all on it… rested. He taught his creation it was indeed important to stop and collect our thoughts, breathe deeply and find rest. One of my heroes, David, while hiding from the enemy wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me. Your rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the middle of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over… and it will be alright as I live in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23, Buettner translation)
I was looking at the calendar for the months ahead and realized that there is no time blocked out for rest. The demands seem greater each passing day on each of us. It is up to you and me to stop and take time to renew.
Burn out whether to make a dollar or even Kingdom business has the same results… loss. I’ve heard the old saying, “I’d rather burn out than rust out.” Both cause us to lose…
So dear friends, in the midst of our merry-go-round lives, get off and take some time with the Lord to renew… Hug your family, celebrate life… you will be so glad you did! Standing on the promises of Christ my King, through eternal ages let His praises ring… standing on the promises of God….
Now, that’s a thought,
Love,
Pastor Mike!