Rest

Living well in the modern world is a challenge. The hurried pace of life has changed the landscape. We measure worth by how busy we can seem to others and have come to believe accumulating more things will make life more satisfying. We chase what we think will bring happiness, but come up empty. We have forgotten to rest.

photo courtesy of Khara Woods- UnSplash
photo courtesy of Khara Woods- UnSplash

The craziness of this world pushes me over the edge. I stand and shake my head and don’t know what to say. Politics – I can’t even go there. We have eclipsed reason on too many fronts. 

We need more of God and less of everything else. 

Instead, we are out the door early, coffee in hand and a daily to-do list on our mind. We chat with God between traffic lights. It’s not enough and we feel like a failure.

He does not see us as a failure.

Instead, he invites us closer. 

photo courtesy ofAustin Ban - UnSplash
photo courtesy of Austin Ban – UnSplash

In Christianity, Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a traditional (translated old to many but new to me ) practices of scripture reading, meditation, and prayer and is intended to draw us into a deeper, closer and more intimate relationship with God. We are starving for this.

photo courtesy of Jake Melara- UnSplash
photo courtesy of Jake Melara- UnSplash

Lectio does not treat scripture as only words to be studied,  with a list of daily readings checked off, but instead, one is encouraged to savor and devour them in big and small ways.

I have begun to weave this new-old thing into my life. It reminds me to slow down for a moment and listen to his voice. It turns my eyes to his and keeps me focused on him instead of the crazy around me.

We need this. The slowing down part. It’s time.

His whisper to us is simple and uncomplicated. Faith is not meant to be confusing and overflowing with guilt and heavy hurts.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28 

 Resting is not easy.

Rest here

I invite you to come away and rest awhile. I plan to do the same.

Blessings-
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Did these words stir something in you? Are you in a sweet or messy time? Would love to hear what God doing in you!

8 Comments

  1. No matter how many times I am reminded, I always need to hear this. I will be resting, turning off the blogging, turning off the social media, taking a step back. Amazing piece!

    1. Brittany- I find it interesting, when I strive to “put it down” … I am frustrated at how often I find myself reaching for the tech. It has become a third hand for many of us! The struggle is real, but like you I am choosing to do it differently whenever I can.

      Blessings 🙂

      Nancy

  2. Sweet rest is a gift. God knew we needed it and so he created Sabbath. I love the idea of Jesus being the completion of that on a grander scale. He completed the “work” on the cross so we can rest in His grace given. Saved by grace and not by the things we do.
    But we also need that rest everyday as a reminder that it’s His strength we are running on, not our own.
    And rest creates space for us to hear Him.
    I always say if Jesus needed time with His Father, how much more do we!!!? All the time.
    Thanks for your post

    1. Sweet rest sabbath rest … So
      Easy to push to the side with our chaos and busyness….love the reminder Jesus needed time with the Father….how much more us! Thanks Jeannne!

  3. I’m the out the door early, coffee in hand, to-do list on mind kind of person. (Sometimes it’s out the door early FOR coffee!) For as much as I purpose to slow down, I’m still rushing too much, forgetting to make time for the One who loves me and is waiting for me. Resting is so important for our spirit, mind and health, yet we wear busyness like a badge. “How are you,” used to be met with “Fine”, but it’s “Busy”. Thank you for the reminder to rest and focus on Jesus. He’s all that really matters.

  4. I whole-heartedly resonate with you, Nancy. The transitions in my life are invitations from God’s Holy Spirit for me to slow down, notice, and breathe deeply. Thanks for your encouragement and being real.

    1. I love the thought of him inviting us… drawing us near. We would not refuse a good friend when they invite us to spend time with them, how much more Jesus.

      Hugs my friend!

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