Saturday, June 26, 2010

Stepping Stones: Real Rest is in His Hands

Transformational Tip

So many times I have patients that come to me with complaints of not feeling rested. We discuss their sleep patterns and “sleep hygiene”…like noise, temperature, bed partner, evening eating and exercise habits, caffeine and alcohol use. Sometimes these corrections help, but at times, something else is going on.

They do need a rest, but not a nap or more sleep, actually a rest from the burdens and conflicts battering hem each day. More sleep or a nap only rests your body. It’s not your body that needs rest…it’s your soul.

How do you find rest for your soul? Jesus tells us; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. Don’t fight the experiences and activities. Accept them and see how God is growing you through these specially prescribed circumstances. Seek Him today. Go to Him.

Today, put your life in His hands like you put your eternal life in His hands. Examine your stressors today and embrace them as workouts to strengthen and grow you. be thankful for who you will be after the workout. Then ask a wise person to help you see the stressor more objectively…like God sees it. Let your soul rest with Him today and forever. His hands are big enough and soft enough!

Prayer
Dear Father, I come to you weary and burdened, I come to You to rest, I come for Your blessing and grace and to be restored. Today, I feel the way ahead of me is steep. I am slowing down, Lord, so I can cling tightly to Your hand. I feel You are teaching me a difficult yet important lesson. I am ready to learn, I lift my hands up to You at this very moment, hands of faith to receive Your lesson, Your peace, Your presence. Light, Life, Joy, Peace flow freely from You. I know that when my focus turns away from You I reach for other things. In this reaching, I at times drop the glowing gift of Your presence. I return to You my Lord, I turn to regain Your presence. I pray this in the name of the One who laid His life on the cross in Your hands, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29

He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:6-8