REST

MareBearHitstheRoad Blogger - April 9, 2010 - Day 40 - In the bible we know that Jesus spent 40 days and 40 nights alone in the desert with nothing but God to light his path and guide him. He trusted his father with his every need, every desire, everything. He was tested and tempted, taunted and teased. He walked through the refiner's fire with nothing more than the knowledge and faith that the father would protect him and keep him from harm. He knew he would be challenged, but he also knew that God is in control. He knew that he would face some of the difficult temptations of the flesh that we suffer too. He would bear witness to the lies and schemes of the enemy and reject them, in the flesh. But in all of this there is something He did that we too need to do, we need to Rest in the knowledge and the faith that God is always in control. He is always the captain of our ship and the preserver of our lives, spiritual and otherwise.

To REST in faith that God is the Alpha and the Omega is no easy task. We are so eager to do things in the flesh, to not listen to the still small voice that speaks to us in times of struggle or uncertainty; or times of solitude when we pause for a moment to hear His Will for our lives. Resting in God takes practice and patience. Neither of which are easy for us. We live in a world of "instantaneous gratification". Technology has created a must have right now in us that will not or sometimes, cannot be silenced. And when we do have the time or inclination to REST, often we fill that time with things like sleep, television, house work, projects that lay unfinished, etc. As my friend Cindi is fond of saying "I can rest when I am dead".

But Resting in the Lord is not just about a physical rest; it is not about an emotional rest...it is about the Spiritual Rest. The kind of rest that when you are done, you walk away not only refreshed and renewed, but you walk away RESTED! How many of us take the time each day to find our quiet place, A quiet place where we can simply spend time walking with God?

As I prepare to Hit the Road for Breiter Futures Foundation and for unchartered waters in a world filled with hustle and bustle, I am reminded daily how important it is that I REST in Him. Because if I do not, all perspective can become open for attack, lack of focus, become about me and not Him..the list is endless. But if I wake each day and I look UP not out or in, if I give Him the glory; If I keep my ears in listening mode; if I spend time in the Word and Prayer, and if I REST in the more than 6000 promises of the Bible...then most certainly I cannot fail...WE cannot fail. Our significance comes from above. Not through power and prestige, money or position, through others loving us and friendship...it comes from Resting in the knowledge that we are children of a KING, and that is ALL the significance we need and there is a peace in that. And in that peace we can Rest with quiet confidence that all things are possible through Christ Jesus.

So tonight, as you lay your weary head and/or body down, look up and take peace and solace in the knowledge that in Resting in God for all your needs, desires, hopes and dreams...is the safest place to be. We may not succeed each day but in making the effort to do so, He provides.

Blessings, may your rest be restful and a time of refreshing and renewal.

marebear