REST

Good Morning!

I pray all is going well with you this morning –

Hopefully, you have been able to get some much needed rest this holiday weekend

Rest – it is an important element which often gets overlooked

It is so essential to … REST

I know that it sometimes feels as though there is no time to REST –

Yet, our bodies [and our lives] cannot function properly without times of refreshing

There is a story in the book of I Kings which tells of a day in the life of the prophet Elijah:

‘He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die.’ I Kings 19:4

 

Here we have a mighty man of God, on the heels of a great victory

            He had called down fire from heaven … and it fell! I Kings 18:38

Yet, here he is one chapter later completely despondent

What happened?

The battle had exhausted him and left him utterly undernourished – spiritually & physically

And what was God’s prescription?

What grand solution did Jehovah-Rophe, the LORD who heals, offer?

REST, EAT, GET IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

‘Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” … He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat for the journey is too much for you.”' I Kings 19:5-7

 

THE JOURNEY IS TOO MUCH

We have not had to call down fire from heaven –

Yet many of us have felt that the journey through 2020 has been too much, ‘way too much’

But – take heart

Despite the reality of the challenges, there still remains a REST

‘Thus far, you have survived 100% of the toughest moments life has thrown your way.’

 

LIKE AN INFANT

I had a discussion a while back with my friend where I was sharing the importance of REST

I told her there are times when I get restless, impatient and downright cranky;

            whining and sometimes crying; wanting to be consoled and left alone all at once

In those moments, I shared with her, I imagine a scene plays out in heaven…

The angels are gathered around the throne and they are completely perplexed:

‘My LORD, WHAT is wrong with her?!’

And I imagine the LORD calmly responding,

‘She’s fine … she just needs a nap. She’s tired and hungry and she needs her Heavenly Father.’

 

It used to be that way when my sons were infants. It was not often but they would have those moments when they would start to get ‘fussy’. They were tired, or hungry [sometimes both] and they needed REST! Sometimes all they needed was to know that I was close by, that I was present ...and then they could REST.

 

It is amazing what a little rest will do – emotionally, spiritually and physically

It also helps our perspective, so we may see more clearly

But the act of rest it is not a one-time occurrence

We must be intentional about seeking out regular moments of rest & rejuvenation

Forty days after that encounter with the angel of the LORD, Elijah was in a cave;

And the LORD came to him where he was:

‘The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” I Kings 19:11

Even if you are too weary from the current journey and for the next journey,

The LORD will meet you right where you are

He is the Omni-Present One …there is no escaping His presence

 

HIS PRESENCE IS KEY

The refueling – whatever that may look like – is great

            Water, food, exercise, prayer, meditation

The rest – in all its forms – is helpful

            Naps, sleep, sitting in silence

But the getting in the presence of the LORD – it is absolutely essential

His presence is key!

 

This morning –

Whether you only have today or the remainder of this week heading into the new year;

Be intentional about carving out meaningful moments of rest, in His presence

Take time to pursue and enjoy REST –

recovering from the present journey and preparing for all that is to come

 

Have a Rest-Filled & Blessed Day!

‘He gives His beloved rest.’  Psalm 127:2

‘The LORD provides for those He loves, even while they are sleeping.’ Psalm 127:2