With the hectic schedules we all keep, it is challenging to rest and be refreshed. This week I took a 14 mile bike ride across limestone trails along a stream. It was mentally restful because it took a fair amount of concentration to avoid rocks. I was in the middle of a city I frequent but didn’t realize there was this trail and stream hidden there. The black eyed susans and purple cone wild flowers were abundant and the green belt of Iowa was amazing. This passage of Scripture comes to mind when I picture that afternoon and its beauty. Here’s 2 keys to stay rested every day.
1.Take time to rest mentally
Mental rest requires consciously setting your mind on the positive and faith-filled thoughts of God. This doesn’t come naturally for me. I have to think about what I’m thinking about and set my mind on what God says about things rather than how I may feel. For example, our minds can be cluttered with not only things to accomplish, but self-talk that is often tiring. Merely being busy isn’t the problem. But agitation and aggravation and feeling rushed and never feeling you are done or have done enough is tiring. When we picture a sheep resting in a green pasture, it is restful and not fearful. It is trusting its shepherd to keep it fed and protected. I challenge us all to take some time daily and picture ourselves as beloved children who are carefree because we have cast our cares on the Lord Who cares about every detail.
2.Let your emotions be soothed by the Spirit of God
Watching still water is soothing. There is a sense of timelessness to it. Where does it stop or start? You just watch at the riverbank, but the water has no beginning or end (like God). Still waters are peaceful. The Spirit of God wants to lead us and sustain us by His presence much like the tranquil still waters. His voice is not a roar of an ocean, but like the babbling brook- a small voice of a stream. Many never hear it because they are too busy to be quiet. We miss Him by mere minutes every day. We read and pray but often don’t plan quiet time to just listen to Him speak. Are we afraid He will be harsh or critical if we listen? Most times I have discovered, He just wants to sit with me and assure me He is there. Sometimes He has spoken by His Word and occasionally by a word to my spirit. But most times there is just a sense of His presence that is timeless and soothes my emotions. What a wonderful Shepherd we have in Jesus!
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