Towards the end of 2024, and as we approached 2025, as I started contemplating my words for the year, two became solidified… ‘rest and surrender’
For someone who is and has been a perpetual doer, that instruction seemed foreign.
If I think about it, it shouldn’t have been so foreign, because 10 years ago as I asked God some questions, ‘be still and know that I am God’ was whispered clearly to my soul.
If I think about it some more, a song came to mind. While I thought it had to do with another situation, I now realize it was an invitation.. ‘Come Away with Me’…
For someone who was never still for any real time, the instructions were difficult. Last year I slowed down in a way that was unimaginable. I couldn’t force some doors opened if I tried with all my strength, but yet, it was such a beautiful time.
Because I had the mental capacity to think about other things, things that had been long side lined in my mind came back and I started executing. I found a personality test that said I’m not one to work with my hands, and yet, I was deriving so much joy from building things or planting things, and taking time to slow down to watch and appreciate their seasons of transitions.
Over the last few days a particular verse keeps coming to the forefront – whether through other devotions or through scrolling social media. The verse is Matthew 11:28.
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’
If you feel like you have constantly been on the defense lately because of how life has been, I want to add one more of my favorite verses. Exodus 14:14
‘The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still’
Friends, I have no idea why you may be feeling weary, but I know that you can trust God when He tells you to be still. I’ve watched my life transform from those instructions 10 years ago. And, when I need to be reminded that I’m trying to do too much in my own strength, the instruction reappears.
Rest… I don’t need to do it all or know it all. And, where my abilities end, this is when God calls me into a deeper trust with Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful for the season of rest you gave me. I may not always know when or how you are leading, and to where, but I’ve learned that you are trustworthy. Thank you for the clarity that is emerging from this season of rest. Would you please continue to be with me as you move me into the next chapter?