When a ruddy little shepherd boy named David needed rest - he talked to his Heavenly Father in a way that related to his experiences out in the fields and the lush grassy hills surrounding Jerusalem.
God has a way of "pulling us away" to a place of rest and restoration. Sometimes it is by invitation, or by His divine appointment. Other times it is through His grace and coercion. When the weight of the world is pressing down and a sense of heaviness invades your soul, steal away time to refresh yourself.
Rest: freedom from activity or labor; a state of inactivity; peace of mind or spirit.
Jesus often spoke to the crowds that were pressing in around Him and comforted them with these words, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
"God means us to live a fully orbed life in Christ Jesus, but there are times when that life is attacked from the outside, and we tumble into a way of introspection which we thought had gone. Self-consciousness is the first thing that will upset the completeness of the life in God, and self-consciousness continually produces wrestling... Anything that disturbs rest in Him must be cured at once, and it is not cured by being ignored, but by coming to Jesus Christ... The great solution is the simple one - "Come unto Me."
Sheep have a natural propensity to stay near their shepherd. They watch his every move and look to him for their mobility and safety. They follow him along craggy stone paths, and meander near him in the thick meadow as they graze. Their shepherd's presence frees them up to rest and refresh without anxiety or panic.
Our Shepherd is a good shepherd and gives His life for His sheep (John 10:11). Our Shepherd knows His sheep and they know Him (John 10:14).
Isaiah 40:11 tells us, "He [God] will feed His flock like a shepherd; and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young."
When you are overwhelmed with life's demands and pressures, start looking for a meadow.
Your meadow might be a walk in your neighborhood or park. It might be stealing a half hour for yourself while the kids are playing, or listening to uplifting music in your car. Take in nature's wonders and reflect on your heavenly Father's love and care for you. Use that time to read His Word and delve into the Psalms. One of my favorites is Psalm 55:6, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest."
Enter My Rest...
Family and
workloads, deadlines and tests,
weary and tired,
surely hard pressed;
other's demands
and schedules left
weighing on
shoulders meant for much less.
Daughter of
Mine...enter My Rest.
Steep is the path
of life's daily trek -
hard is the road
that leads to His best.
Often no thanks or
kindness is shown,
only a sharp reply
they confess.
Daughter of
Mine...enter My Rest.
Lay aside weights
and all heaviness,
leaving behind the
hurt and the pain.
Let me restore
what value is left.
Come...pull away -
be free and be blessed.
Daughter of
Mine...enter My Rest.
DL McCarragher
Deborah is the author of a Christian
non-fiction book titled “Mission
Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their
spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the
reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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Great post, Deborah! I adore reading about sheep. They are so interesting. And I loved your poem. Wonderful truths!
ReplyDeleteBless you Lynn - thanks for the visit & sweet comments. "Us" sheep need to stick together. :)
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