I would venture to guess that many of us are coming into this holiday season running on fumes. Maybe your well-laid plans of soaking up the season at a slower place have taken a back seat to midnight Amazon scrolling for all the gifts for all the people. Especially if you happen to be the one in your house who “makes Christmas happen,” there are probably far too many things on your to-do list to feel like you might come out the other side rested. What a nice idea.
Yet, somewhat miraculously, reading these words of invitation from Jesus in Matthew 11 opens up the space for me to take a deep breath. Because, as it turns out, I don’t just need rest from a busy schedule or to-do lists or being an introvert around people all the time (though, I certainly do)I need a rest that settles far more deeply into my bones. I need rest from the work of trying to prove my own worth and earning a place in God’s family and trying to live up to the standards that Christ has already fulfilled on my behalf.
I need rest from the work that was never mine in the first place.
As He ministered and shared the gospel, Jesus knew the burden that so many carried, not only from the pains of a broken world, but also from the weight of religion and legalism. He knew how the religious leaders of His day had strapped restraints onto the people, a yoke that left them weighed down and weary. Have you ever felt that way? Working hard to be a good Christian can be exhausting when we are trying to earn our way to God—when we think it is all on our shoulders.
What good news indeed these words of Jesus offer us: Rest. Soul rest. Because He has taken on the work of salvation. He has already borne that burden for us. There is an unburdening that happens when we come to Jesus if we are willing to relinquish the tight grip of control on our lives. Here we are not promised easier circumstances or fewer responsibilities. But we are offered green pastures in His presence (Psalm 23:2). We are promised the tender care and affection of our Shepherd who has laid down His life for us (John 10:11). We are tethered to the one who can actually stand up under the weight that crushes us (Matthew 11:29).
I don’t know what your soul is weary of in this season. Be it uncertainty, fear, loss, doubt, disappointment, loneliness, or the sheer exhaustion of just trying to keep up the performance, hear the sweet and tender invitation of Jesus today who wants to bear that load and actually restore your soul in the process. May you indeed find your soul’s rest in Him.
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100 thoughts on "Let Us Find Our Rest in Thee Day 12"
Lord I thank you you are good!
This messages hits home. Someone in my world took their life last week and it’s really hit the dance community. I keep seeing pictures and posts about the kind of person he was and can’t imagine this burden he felt. RIP Twitch ❤️
This messages hits home. Someone in my world
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Isaiah 40:28-31
Definitely a huge encouragement in this season for me where I am often feeling weary and exhausted – the Lord is so good to provide strength and endurance in those moments. It’s definitely supernatural and not because of my own strength that I feel capable – he is faithful to fill our cups when they feel empty. Thankful for him!
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As I continue to catch up on the readings, this one came at a much needed time. I’ve been feeling lonely, anxious, and overwhelmed this season, not necessarily because it’s the holidays (although working in retail distribution doesn’t help, it’s chaotic in this industry lol). It’s my soul feeling weary, it’s picking up the worries that I have just laid down at the feet of Jesus in prayer. (Seriously, why do I do that so often?)
God keeps nudging me to re-read John Mark Comer’s “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” but as my to-do list piles up along with my anxiety, weariness (and dare I say laziness), I procrastinate and it becomes a more vicious cycle of guilt and burnout. This devotional, the scripture readings, and your wonderful reflections struck deep in my soul (in a good way). While I still wait for health results, doctor appointment follow ups, and training in my new position at work, I am reminded of the true Anchor for our souls, the Shepherd who provides rest. Instead of being a sheep who beats her head against the wall and strays off constantly, may I be a sheep who pursues her Shepherd and keeps her doubts, worries and fears at her Father’s feet. Thank You Jesus for this rest that is always available to us.
Wow!! Amen
Thanks for sharing this Kelly. I connected with this today as well. Praying freedom and rest for you in Jesus. ❤️
yes jesus, thank you for this rest.
Amen Cindy❤️
I needed the reminder to “relinquish the tight grip of control on my life”. I know God is fully in control, but actually letting go is hard sometimes! I am thankful for the “soul rest” that Jesus offers. ❤️
I needed the reminder to “relinquish the tight grip of control on my life”. I know God is fully in control, but actually letting go is hard so
Lord give me the rest only you can bring!
Reading this on Grace day. I had intended to slow down this season. Even not doing things we normally do but I find myself busier. I just want to slow down and enjoy it.
“Let us find our Rest in thee”Rest, like the “peace that surpasses understanding” Phil 4:7 I keep reminding myself during this busy advent season to “Be still and know that I am God” psalm 46:10. Come Lord Jesus!!
Can’t wait to find rest in this season!
I am reading this on “Grace Day” . I had a terrible migraine last night . This week has been another crazy busy week at work due to short on staff and disgruntled family that we work with . I am a supervisor for a case management agency that works with individuals with disabilities and their families and I honestly love the people I work with , I also have two boys with disabilities who are in their junior and senior years of school . I’m worn out to say the lease. I am learning that deadlines, while important …. Are not as important as my mental health. I can only give 100% . I have to REST!!!! I can’t fix everything in one day …. It’s a difficult thing to
I’m weary from trying to prove my worth and define my worth in in my job. I’ll always end up short or disappointed bc it was never intended to define us. Jesus does. Lord break me free from the pressure and unrealistic expectations I put on myself break mw free from the constant worry I have of what everyone else will think. Focus my heart on pleasing you alone and serving you who defines my worth
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My job has been really tiring me out lately and lately I’ve felt the pressure to “be a better Christian” so this was something I needed to hear. I truly believe that my soul needs rest like this.
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But
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These Scriptures are a gift of truth. I don’t think I ever believed this though for myself. As I was reading, it hit me! Jesus knows the pain in this world. He worked ministering to so many people. He was tempted in every way, but without sin. He knows what it is like to be misunderstood, betrayed, misspoken of, outcasted, and even despised . He lived in a humble, lowly state Scripture says that He had no where to lay His head! What He endured when He is actually the King of kings, majestic, and powerful! He can sympathize with us and how we feel. He took my sins and she, my punishment and paid my debt! As I was reading, I felt freedom! I can be free to know God is in control! I can relax, because He knows and He is always good! I can learn and enjoy Scripture even when I’m convicted! I am able to replans find forgiveness! His Hooke is easy! His burden is light! How amazing! Hallelujah! All praise and glory to our God! We can be free and find comfort and rest! Thank You, Jesus for this priceless gift!
I’m weary from seeing all of the hurt of people I love as the result of living in a broken world with people who do not know Jesus. And I know He tells me to bring that weary and sadness and give it to Him, and He will exchange it for peace that passes understanding. He will give me rest. I don’t understand how it works, the circumstances, hurt and sadness still exist…and yet He gives supernatural peace. Oh thank you Jesus!
I woke up early and decided to read this devotional as I lay quietly. My heart is heavy for a friend of mine whose husband died unexpectedly from a massive heart attack at 54 years old. She needs all of our prayers to find some peace. I’m thankful he was a great Christian and know he is with Jesus now. Please keep her in your prayers
I started SRT at Advent a few years back. It was when I was broken, in crisis and desperate to feel redeemed. God’s arms were already around me, I was just distracted. Jesus was already using his voice to answer my cry, I just didn’t know his voice and thus couldn’t hear it above the noise. The more I read, the more I recognize his voice. God took my broken pieces and, thru words spoken so long ago, told me I am his daughter and I am loved. “Born a child and yet a king”…he is most certainly my King.
Kristen Pulido I was in a similar situation early in 2022- had a failed IUI and a second one that resulted in a chemical pregnancy. That was when I really turned to God mostly for answers and in frustration and found such a real relationship with Him that is never had despite being a believer since I was eight! I am praying for you sister.
I felt as if I could melt from relief reading these words today. Thank you Jesus
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Pam C, I love your reply. Thank you for sharing this and I’m NCIS fashion as well. All you said rung true in my own experience right now—as I stand in my kitchen, barn boots still on, horse chores waiting, Christmas boxes all over the place, the list of things I want to still do, when, really—I just want to figure out where my actual she reads truth. Advent book is under all of these piles so I can start journaling in it! But frankly, I’m so glad I opened my app so that I could read what you wrote and feel the community that is offered through the sweetness of this app. The Lord is so good.
I love that God’s presence gives us rest and comfort. As a mom to a three year old and three month old, rest sounds like a beautiful thing. Even when I have gotten a pretty good amount of sleep, it’s still exhausting being a mother. I know I need to surrender control to Jesus and stop trying to control everything myself.
I love the Christmas season! I grew up in church, so it has always been centered on Jesus Christ, our Savior, celebrating his birth! We always had a pretty traditional Christmas celebration with family, food, and presents. But now that my child is grown and on his own, and my husband and I have moved away from him and other family (and grandkids!), Christmas’ have looked different in the last few years. (also my mother died in 2014 and that changed our yearly gatherings greatly!) Sometimes my heart longs for those times, but know that life keeps moving right along and the dynamics of the family structure change. I still love to decorate although on a much smaller scale, and watch the Christmas shows and so on, BUT my compass is always set to Jesus and the beauty of the sacrifice, the cross. It is an amazing gift, greater than anything we can fathom, and as long as we keep that our focus, not only for us but our kids and family, you are gifting them something so, so important that they will always take with them. So don’t worry about the “perfect” Christmas, and the perfect presents and the perfect food spread…just enjoy the love between you all and the memories created, big or small, but keep turning your compass to God, and rest in Him and the gift he gave us at the end of this advent! Otherwise, we are going to feel depleted, tired and disappointed.
Today’s verses & devotional spoke so loudly into my heart. Then adding in your comments…”Gibbs slap!” (NCIS fans will know what I mean.) I’m so busy trying to make a “nice Christmas “ for my mom & my husband, maybe my sister & her family, but no one is paying attention or interested. My husband in particular is totally withdrawn this season. The verses in John 10 and then some research on the Festival of Dedication, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights struck me. It’s about remembering that Jesus is the perfect & true Light of Life. That I need to be reminded to “not be conformed to this age but renew my mind” (Romans 12:2) & not be assimilated into this age…into the hustle bustle of christmas…but be still & celebrate Christmas…the birth of my Savior.
I find so much comfort in this today. In a truly hard season of life I struggle to give up control of how I want my life to turn out. I know God has me but sometimes I don’t feel it deep in my soul like I need too. I can tell people the same things I need to tell myself but I don’t always believe it for myself. Praying for all of you today!
This was a great read for me today as I head into taking my first final exam of my MBA today! Finding rest is hard when all you seem to feel is anxiousness. This was a great reminder for me to just trust, breathe and relax.
I could cry. Every single verse today along with the devotional (fellow introvert here ) spoke to my situation. God has been asking me to do some scary things (for me), all the while trusting Him. He promises rest, release of burden, great care and peace for all who are His. I must remember this when I can’t see the way through. God is my shepherd, He knows what I need.
I read todays devotional while sitting in my mother-in-laws hospice room. It was timely as she anticipates her eternal rest and I anticipate rest from this weary world for her.
Another beautiful comment Jennifer Loves Jesus
In the ESV, Psalm 23:2 says “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” I love that because it is stronger than just “lets me” but also from the goodness of God it is not something that is demanded without care for the sheep. It is the love of the shepherd to lead them somewhere where their only responsibility is to rest for that time.
I don’t like to rest, it isn’t something I do naturally; so to be reminded of the fact that there are times when it is something the Lord leads me to do is extremely helpful
I love this time of year. I was always so happy to do all the “things” we do. I would start my shopping early…July! I was a hairstylist and December was crazy busy, so I had to be on my game. But last year and this one, I find I’m not stressed. Without Tanner it just isn’t the same. I’m finding rest in Jesus. I realize nothing matters that much. The day will come and know one will realize what didn’t get accomplished. The family will be together and that’s what matters. Tanner’s absence will be front and center to me.
Loved so many of the comments. Angie Mills!
I keep picking up burdens I promised I would lay down. So very grateful for His never stopping love for me. The grace that Jesus purchased and earned on my behalf and His mercy I never ever could earn, and am not supposed to. Thank You Lord.
To know that my God is the creator of the ends of the earth and that He will never grow tired or weary give me peace to know that I can rest in His presence. Thank you Father for being my place of rest❤️
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable. – Isaiah 40:28
Good morning sweet sisters! Another great devo. Ran out time so I have to be quick this morning in my comments. I too, need rest from work that wasn’t mine in the first place. It does get lonely sometimes. AND sometimes (I’m being transparent) its hard to smile and extend love to those who feel entitled at work even though we are all equal.
I forgot something; be blessed and relinquish EVERY LITTLE burden, problem, care, concern and sorrow to our Heavenly Father.
OH MY GOODNESS!! Lindsey spoke right to my heart and soul today. As I read it I was hearing God speak to me through this devotional, especially the second to last paragraph — I cried as I read it — it REALLY hit home. My nephew, Jake, is out of jail and now living with my sister, Carol, and my sister thinks this is okay; whereas back in September and October when she was deciding where to move she had said she wasn’t going to give Jake her new address when he got out of jail. I’m not sure if I have said I am no longer living with Carol because of an incident that happened last month where she got drunk and wouldn’t get help. Last evening she contacted me about having a family friend of my sons’ and mine help with her computer (he has helped out in the past). She had also told me Jake was talking to himself — Jake has schizophrenia and I have learn from past experience when he starts doing this he is no longer on his meds and bad things are about to happen — so I told her I would but Jake couldn’t be there. I could tell by her text she wasn’t happy. I was going over today to drop off somethings to her and pick up some of my things, so she said she would meet me somewhere instead. I’m concerned for her between Jake’s behavior and her not wearing her oxygen and drinking at times. I love her dearly and I know it’s now up to her and I need to give it ALL — AND THAT MEANS ALL — (which is hard to do) to my Heavenly Father.
Heavenly Father, I relinquish THIS AND ALL my burdens, worries, concerns and cares to You. I prayer You help me and She sisters to give it ALL to You and Your Beloved Son including our sorrows and griefs. We know those who aren’t and won’t be with us physically for this time of year WILL BE with us in spirit and memories. Watch over us. In Christ’s name, amen.
What stood out today was something that Max said on last week’s podcast about the tree in the garden- Adam and Eve had (and made) the choice to eat from the tree; Jesus had (and thankfully made) the choice to lay down His life; now I have the choice to make- will I let God give me rest or will I continue to try to “make it happen” on my own? Today I choose God and His perfect rest!!! Praying for all you sisters in the word today!! Time is precious choose wisely!
@Kristen Pulido, this is such a beautiful testament to God’s goodness and faithfulness. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you @Jennifer Loves Jesus. Pairing physical and spiritual rest to musical rest made my heart sigh with encouragement.
A timely devotional. Looking for rest on many fronts. Trying to forgive myself for feeling overwhelmed.
This devotion resignated so much with me today, as I am the Christmas person in our home and so much more this year as this is the first Christmas without my mamma in law. Trying to make it special for our family was my goal, but I know it can’t and won’t be perfect,and this is a great reminder that it will be OK no matter what when hope, faithand trust is in Jesus.
“No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.” Often times I forget Jesus’ life wasn’t taken from him, he freely gave it for us. To allow us to rest in Him. What an amazing, undeserving gift.
Believing in my own soul that I don’t have to prove my worthiness because He has already paid the price to make me worthy. I am His!
@Tina, why are you cooking so much?! Lol. As someone who was employed and educated in the hospitality industry, I feel you. I just had a banquet for 30 people and God miraculously made the dinner portion be cooked in less than 2 hours. My method: heavy preparation beforehand, super SIMPLE but satisfying dishes, and LOTS of prayer… and all of it was dairy and gluten free (I am dairy free lol)! May God cover you right now and bless you wherever you are in the process. May you know He is pleased with your hard work and effort. Be blessed and remember your hospitality ministers to the many that you are feeding!!!!
My soul is sometimes so full of hope and so weary these days. These words encourage me that God’s presence is our rest. May that be enough when my heart fails to believe it is. My counselor described my season as a “desert” season. In biblical times, Psalm 23 actually describes a scene from a desert. If my theology is sound, the green pasture is actually a very small place bc there are no green plains in the desert. We aren’t talking about Midwest America. We’re talking about desert Israel, where David hid in rocky cliffs. It was rocky and dry. But God gave David “just enough” in that season.
Advent has hit me in a completely different way this year. For the fist time in my life it is about so much more. This has been the hardest year of my 28 years on this earth thus far. In the last 7 months my husband and I have experienced a chemical pregnancy and two miscarriages. The news that our 8 week along baby had no heart beat came the week we started Prayers in Scripture and I had NO idea the growth that was to come. I was in a season of life that felt so lonely. I felt like God wasn’t hearing my prayers and truly did not care, but man was I so wrong. Every step of this journey God has shown me he knows my pain and that I’m not alone. Praying through scripture healed my heart in ways I didn’t know I needed. So coming into Advent i have felt nothing but rest. I have learned I have Zero control when it comes to this life. The only thing I do have control over is handing my burden over to the one who wants to carry it for me. The rest and comfort that can be found in Him is something I’m not sure I can explain. I am so thankful of the reminder Advent has brought with it this year. God can heal if we just give Him the chance.
I felt this as well. As the person who makes Christmas happen. And every year I’m just as frustrated. But reading this and really hearing what what husband says and
“Rest comes from going to Christ when I am weary and burdened.”
“Trading the hectic for the holy.”
“Coming to him for the calm in the storm.”
All quotes from some of you ladies. So much to learn from each other. So much God has for us.
Because of Steve’s illness and pain we have been forced to slow down. I think God does that sometimes because otherwise we would fill our days and nights too full.
So we have been blessed with rest this season.
Tina, thank you for the reference to my Emmaus walk…encounters with Jesus. Love it.
And thanks for all the prayers.
I really look forward to meeting all of you sisters.
Hugs to all as you seek His rest today. ❤️
Gramiesue, your comment really helped me to put REST into perspective. Love you my sista❤
I felt this as well. As the person who makes Christmas happen. And every year I’m
Resting my mind seems like a futile gesture. It is always going and very rarely on things that truly matter. I enslave myself with broken oddities of this fragile and ending earth. However, I know there is always hope in Jesus.
I feel weird asking this question, but does anyone know how to adapt the pepper jelly recipe for canning?
I am truly enjoying this study and am praying that we are all able to find a little rest in the chaos ❤️
I feel weird asking this question, but does anyone know how to adapt the pepper jelly recipe for canning?
As “the person who makes Christmas happen” for several years now, I related to this a lot. Lord, help me intentionally seek your rest!
Loved this Churchmouse.
I surely needed to read that today. Great reminder that I don’t have to do it all. Just enjoy the peace that Jesus gives us.
Thank You Jesus for being my True Shepherd. I trust You and will choose to lean in and find peace and rest in You!
This morning meditating on these scriptures the thing in the Old Testament that stood was He, the Lord gives it to me! And then that the Lord has given us rest in him. It made me realize that I am always driving to Ruston him but not actually resting. So this was an amazing reminder today that I don’t have to search for the rest in him I simply have to come and rest in him.
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This was so good! I really need rest from the work that was never mine. Thank you, God, for carrying my burdens and doing all the work that matters most. ❤️
Thank you sweet sisters for your prayers and the love and encouragement you spread across the world each day. It seems so easy to acknowledge my God is sovereign, but much harder to live in His rest and give up control! This Advent season my desire is rest in Jesus remembering He is my rest, my all. In Him I have everything I need. Blessings and prayers for all this day.
Hectic for the holy! Amen Churchmouse! Praying for your health.
If there were no rests in music it would sound like chaos. There is no music in a rest, yet it is part of the composition. It carries the tune with a silent strength. Invisible and vital to the song itself. Like God to us, rest is the breath of the song, the life giving power holding the notes that are played together. “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (God to Moses in Exodus 33:14). A heart set on earthly things will never find true rest. Only a heart set on Christ will find the peace and rest He gives. Resting in God’s strength is not being weak in our dependence on Him, but rather it is the most powerful place to be. There are rhythms of rest in God’s creation, and work is necessary and good. Moses was called to go, not alone, but with God. They were heading to the Promised Land. And God literally gave rest as written in the Ten Commandments with the Sabbath being in the top ten things God’s fingers etched in stone. He gave His presence and His Word for our rest. He gave us Jesus who fulfilled the ultimate promise delivered directly by the human hands of God. “Come to Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Father God, help me to honor You by entering Your rest. Help me to cease from striving and straining from even good things to attain Your best. Grant to me Your peace and rest. Let me remember to open my clenched fists so I can receive Your goodness and care. May I follow the music score to let rest fall where it should and work where You lead. Help me let go and let You reign in my heart. Maranatha.
Amen find dear in Him ❤️
I have felt weary plenty of times in my life. New baby weary. Mom of three tired. Homeschooling mom stretched. Overworked and scheduled weary. But, I’m not sure I have ever had a weariness at such a deep level before. My soul. My faith. The places in my heart that I usually keep tidied up. It’s all weary. This was a really good reminder for me this morning.
I have felt weary plenty of times in my life. New baby weary. Mom of three tired. Homeschooling mom stretched. Overworked and scheduled weary. But, I’m not sure I have ever had a weariness at such a deep level before. My soul. My faith. The places in my heart that I usually keep tidied up. It’s all weary. This was a really good
Although I have more tasks than I had anticipated this Advent season, I am finding myself rested. I am learning the truth that rest isn’t an absence of work, it is an attitude of the heart. Although an absence of work one day a week is a symbol of our rest in God, it is not what entirely makes up rest. Resting comes from trusting God. As I grow in trusting God, resting also grows. Trusting comes from listening to God and how He is guiding me and walking in that way (trusting & obeying). It comes from knowing God and who He is, spending time in His Word and prayer so that I can continue to learn who He is. It is resting on the truth that I belong to Jesus and no one or nothing can snatch me from His hand and separate me from His love. Rest comes from me going to Christ when I am weary and burdened and heavy laden and taking up His yoke upon myself and learning from Him. Rest comes when I become lowly and humble myself. As I learn to rest, He continues to give me life in abundance.
I must “relinquish the right grip of control” and find “rest from the work that was never mine in the first place.” Thank you Lindsey Jacobi for a timely reminder!
Oh my dear Katherine. We must remember that God knows our circumstances way before us and He’s already at work on your behalf.
My soul longs for rest yet I keep saying yes to things that fill up my schedule. I am thankful to be able to carve out these few precious moments in the morning to rest in my Savior. I loved the quote from today’s devotion “There is an unburdening that happens when we come to Jesus if we are willing to relinquish the tight grip of control on our lives.” I needed to hear that today. Reminding myself of one of my favorite verses: Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” I hope everyone has a blessed day and can find a few precious moments of rest <3
Thank you @churchmouse for reminding me to exchange the hectic for the holy. What a great description of choosing God’s way over my own way.
Pregnant, moving with the Army, driving across the country to see family for the holidays we haven’t seen in 8 months. Anxiety and Depression have been the evils of this season. Rest would be so nice but for some reason no matter what I do I can’t seem to let go and let God hold me in his amra
Thank you for this word. As I sit and read trying to stay awake my eyes trying to shut my true rest and purpose is Jesus. He is the reason for the season. May I be strengthened by Him today as I am weary today.
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Grateful for the rest we find in Jesus.
We have so many promises from God, actual “He will always follow through” promises so why do we find it so difficult to believe Him and find/accept the rest/love we so desperately need? One thing that came to mind as I was reading through today’s Scriptures – that I need to consistently follow Jesus and the examples He shows us in His Word, rather than follow Adam & Eve’s example of trading perfection for deception. Thank you, Lord, for Your love.
TINA – I’m too far away to physically help you but always close enough to pray for you – for strength and patience as you serve others in this busyness! Love you!
HEIDI – great post yesterday, thank you
CINDY HANNA – thankful for the Lord’s protection!
GRACE CALL – praying you feel surrounded by God’s love and all that it means and brings
ALEXIS CORY – praying for a lifting up of your heart and spirit, that fear would flee, that God’s guidance would be clear
LINDA – praying for your upcoming neck implant, for your husband to feel God’s peace and comfort in the confusion of the dementia.
GRAMSIESUE – thankful for the clear scan, praying for answers and treatment for Steve’s pain
John 10:27–30 (CSB): My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
What assurance those verses give me. I can NEVER be snatched from the hands of my Father! No matter what kind of day we are having, how very busy we all are (think too many things to do, for too many days), or how drained we are during this wonderful season that we want to make wonderful for everyone else…we can rest our weary minds and bodies with the knowledge that God always has us in the palm of His hand and won’t let us go! That is true rest!
Thank you Father for your constant and forever love. Amen.
Lord let me receive Your blessed gift of rest. Amen in Jesus name
Wow. This was what my soul needed this morning
Just because the doctor has prescribed rest in order to combat my lung issues, doesn’t mean I’m actually resting. My mind conjures up gift lists, menus, etc. I have to deliberately choose to rest. It’s ironic that I have to work hard at finding rest. I have to tell myself it’s OK to sit still. I have to tell myself it’s permissible to do less. I have to make a point of prioritizing and delegating and yes, even eliminating. Christmas will not be less however. It becomes more. And He becomes more than enough. So I’ve turned the lights on my Jesse Tree and have instrumental music playing softly. I rest and relax in His presence for He has called me to do just that. I bring restlessness and exchange it for His rest. I find peace as I pour out myself. I slowly inhale and exhale the precious breath of life. I count my blessings and entrust my concerns to the One is more than able to carry my burdens. He reminds me I am His. I’m choosing to trade the hectic for the holy. This may very well be the best Christmas.
Thank you Lindsey for your message this morning. You it’s as if you wrote it personally to me, as I was up all night tossing and turning because I procrastinated on my Christmas shopping and stressed I won’t get everything done. Today I will rest my heart and mind in the Lord and go one step at a time.
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Matthew 11:28 took on a journey with me thru my divorce and always shows up when I need it most. This verse has taught me such great love for my savior. Words cannot express my love for Him.
“There is an unburdening that happens when we come to Jesus if we are willing to relinquish the tight grip of control on our lives.” So true. The white-knuckle grip to contol will never bring peace and rest.
GRAMSIESUE – rejoicing with you in God’s kindness. May He give the doctor wisdom to diagnose the source of Steve’s pain.
Amen
“I would venture to guess that many of us are coming into this holiday season running on fumes. Maybe your well-laid plans of soaking up the season at a slower place have taken a back seat to midnight Amazon scrolling for all the gifts for all the people. Especially if you happen to be the one in your house who “makes Christmas happen,” there are probably far too many things on your to-do list to feel like you might come out the other side rested. What a nice idea.”
Like she was looking right into my soul lol. But seriously…couldn’t have said it better myself. Even just reading this and feeling known and seen makes a big difference and I can sense an ease under my skin that is pulled too tight at present with all the “I’ve got to do’s”. I have to make myself stop every once in awhile and remind myself it’s the Christmas Season and all about Him. It’s ALL about HIM. Rest in Him. Unto us!
Just yesterday, as things heated up, or should I say, I felt things crank up a notch at work, I told a friend, I was looking forward to the break\rest I was to have when all the work I needed to do was done!!
Weary doesn’t begin to describe how I was feeling.
This morning, I will be preparing, cooking and serving Christmas meal(the works) for 30. Then, this evening, I will be serving 80 guests the same..a Christmas meal. I am not comlplaining, but you know, its just never straight forward.. I have the gluten free, dairy free, fresh air free folks to consider too! That’s when the head starts pounding and pans are thrown across the room… ONLY JOKING, honest!!
I have four more of such days to go… Then rest for two weeks..
I laugh now, because I have just remembered the family Christmas to do after all that is done.. 2 sons, their partners and 5 grandchildren.. What was I saying about 2 weeks of Rest, now dwindled to 1!!
BUT GOD..
These are the days that when I hold fast and give all to Him, I feel the rest even before the rest days come. He is my help, my strength, my amazing grace when I feel the pressure, and trust me, there is always pressure, but this time of year… Wahhhh, a madness comes over people, including me!!
BUT GOD..
Coming to Him, who gives me the rest, the peace of heart, the calm in the storm this morning, and throughout the day, knowing that with and alongside Him, I will have the rest I need to be productive, and get the job done for His glory..
AMEN..
Praying, sisters, BLESSINGS wrapped in love and hugs for a great and GOD presence known and felt day..❤