"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul." Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
I've been on a kind of respite this past week. One week of time off from my job with no plans to get away. Some would call it a "staycation." And certainly it was that. But it was so much more.
I used the nine days to rest. Simply rest. Oh, I did a few things around my home that needed attention. But only when I felt like it. I slept in, took warm bubble baths, spent time outdoors in nature, called old friends and caught up. And did what I enjoy most. . .spending unhurried time with the Lord. Just talking to Him and listening.
One thing I've learned through these few days is that God wants me to rest more. But not rest in the sense of sleeping all day. No. He wants me to come to Him for my rest. Not just on a scheduled break from work. Not just a temporary rest with the intent of going back to my job. But an intentional daily resting in Him that comes from slowing my pace throughout the day and focusing on the Person that knows me better than anyone else. He knows my frame. He knows the exact number of hairs on my head. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, and my needs. The most important need I have is more of Jesus. More of His care. More of His tenderness. More of His steadfast love.
Jesus is so gentle. So kind. He's such a gentleman. He never forces His way into our lives. He calmly waits for us to come to Him. Whether its for the very first time when we initially call Him our Savior, or the thousandth time when we're just so exhausted and weary that the only One who can refresh us is the One who gave up everything to rescue us from eternal death. We know Him intimately, and we know we can trust Him to provide what we so desperately need -- more of Him!
This is the Jesus I know. This is the Jesus that I've been drawing closer to these past nine days. It's been better than any retreat I've ever been to. It's been healing and fortifying, and just plain lovely. All the way into my soul.
I sincerely hope that you know Jesus this way. If not, ask Him into your life. He's waiting for you to open the door so He can come in.
Today's music video Psalm 23:The Lord is My Shepherd by Sounds Like Reign is a gentle, sweet reminder of the love of Jesus expressed in this well-known Psalm.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
How nice you could have a week of rest and gathering your life together and having time for special catch ups and time for yourself. We all should do this on a daily basis but life gets so busy sometimes we forget to slow down and breathe and pray and be thankful to God. Good post today. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Sounds Like Rain always make lovely music. Glad you had such a lovely quiet ‘staycation’. It is also wonderful to have quiet times with Jesus every day.
ReplyDeleteLove, hugs & prayers, FlowerLady
This is beautiful, Nancy, and something I can relate to. I'm now retired from my "gainful employment," and things have definitely changed as a result. I used to get up very early to be at work, and did a daily devotional that was fine, but not really promoting growth or drawing me closer to Jesus. I had one Christian friend at work and we encouraged each other. With retirement, I now wake up a little later, still early, and can't wait to spend "untimed" time with the Lord! I read the Bible and pray and take time. So I know what you're saying about this being precious time. The concept of rest seems to have negative connotations in our current culture, and that's a problem. This isn't laziness, it's what Jesus calls us to... Sabbath, rest in Him. We all need it. I'm so glad you took this time and pray that time will continue to find its way into your days. Working takes so much time and energy, but you have surely found the remedy! I learn so much from your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to take this rest in Him. I need to be more purposeful about that very thing. Thank you for the video. I always enjoy watching Sounds Like Reign. Blessings and hugs,
ReplyDeleteBetsy
Some days I wish Jesus would just barge into my life and make me be a better person. One who never forgets to thank Him for every thing every day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful rest you had! I've followed the scripture "rest in the Lord" since I was in my 20's and used to always feel guilty if I wasn't doing anything but reading or sewing! I read an excellent book When I Rest I Feel Guilty.....very good Christian book...telling me that God wants us to take quiet time with Him. It was such an eye opener! I continue to cherish the quiet times with Him....and also know we are to nurture our own selves. You are so blessed to have such a close relationship with the Lord. Marilyn
ReplyDeleteI very much needed this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour comment, "The most important need I have is more of Jesus" resonated with me on such a deep level. I echo your desire & say a hearty amen!
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