Rest Stop

This stream is about to take us to a view of Mount Confidence and Boldness Butte, and it may take some courage to get there. We have to pass through the rapids and  then hike away before we do some  mountain climbing.  Time for a rest stop.  Spread your blanket on the ground, lie down, and stare up at the evening sky.  The stars are about to peak through. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). We see a creation the Lord holds together (Colossians 1:17).  This includes each of us! He holds us together, keeping us from disintegrating.  Resting on this spot, we’re going to experience a little “deja vu” by re-reading most of a post from January 17.  Consider the following:

The vapor speed of life stirs up stress and anxiety.  I have been experiencing this.  Are you?  How do I grow in Christ and His character when my heart won’t settle down?  For you, dear parent, how do you grow in Christ and His character when from the moment your feet hit the floor until your body folds under those sheets again late that night, you are simply answering the call of the immediate: cries for clean clothes, no time for a decent breakfast, where are those keys?, while driving to work thoughts of that difficult person you’ll have to face this morning nag your mind, and, oh, Joey’s game tonight conflicts with a deacon’s meeting!

I’ve written myself into a corner. I do not have answers for you.  But God does in His Word. When we share those words with each other, sometimes they come across as clichés.  However, most clichés become clichés because there’s some truth we need to heed at their center. Often our irritation simply exposes our pride voicing its indignation. It’s time to yield. And there’s peace in yielding.

God’s answer to our anxiety over the speed of our lives is for us to choose little moments to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).  Try one minute stops several times a day, taking a deep breath and turning your heart’s eye to the LORD, saying, “You are God; I am not. I’m leaning on You, not myself.” In that moment, yield, lean in, and rest. With a smile, thank Jesus for that moment. Then carry on.

From the first bright light of morning,

To the last warm glow of dusk;

Every breath we take is sacred,

For it is God’s gift to us.*

I hope you’ve caught your breath and have rested a while here on our Rest Stop. Reader, have you tried these one minute rest stops?  Please drop a comment and let us know how you make Psalm 46:10 real in your life. I look forward to your input!

k*Hymn text by Claire Cloninger.