"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." - Jeremiah 31:25 NIV
Some of us are experiencing an unexpected season of rest amidst this pandemic. Others of us are experiencing more demands on our time because of our work (I see and salute you first responders, medical staff, school-based personnel, government workers, et al.), family obligations, or our commitment to serve in this moment. For those who are finding themselves in the busier season of life, there is good news on how we can experience rest.
My Pastor preached a great Word on Sunday how nothing can be successful if Jesus is not in it. We’ve discussed previously how the Godhead (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) should be the center of our lives, and thus our daily activities by extension. The prophets in the Old Testament who had the unique God-given ability to speak verbatim words from God and to see the future remind us that He is the solution for rest too.
In Jeremiah 31:25, we see that the weary and the faint find restoration and fulfillment through God. Similarly, Isaiah 40:30 makes it plain that “those who hope [wait] in the Lord will renew their strength.” Like all things, the key is to keep God/Jesus/Holy Spirit at the center and be obedient to His promptings.
The obedience part and discerning His voice and promptings are often the hardest. Recently I had a goal that I needed to accomplish and time was of the essence. I had truly done all that I could do. My sister kept reminding me “let Brandy do her best, and God do the rest.” I woke up one morning and felt like God told me to rest. A few hours later, a dear friend sent me a video message saying she believed God was telling me to rest. Y’all, I had not reached the goal yet and everyday counted. I thought, “c’mon God, I cannot stop, there’s more to do!” (Cue Isaiah 55:8-9 anyone?!?) But I chose obedience and exceeded the goal plus I was able to get some much needed rest. God knows all and is faithful. We can’t go wrong when we look to Him regularly for all things including rest.
Reflection
Am I in need of rest? Have I kept God at the center of my endeavors? What can I do to grow in my ability to hear God and obey? How can I depend on Him to refresh me?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the promise of rest. Forgive me for not keeping You first. Help me to depend on You for my every need, my every strength, my every satisfaction. Thank you for Your renewal, restoration, and refreshing. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen
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