Praying You Enter His Rest!!!

Today was the first time in a long while that I simply enjoyed a day of "nothingness." And, can I tell you...it felt good.

Honestly, for a few moments I simply focused on breathing.The simplicity of the practice invigorated me...

I breathed in. I breathed out. And then, I breathed in again. WHEW!!!!

I want to encourage you with this thought: Sometimes we need to stop our busy activity, reject our long to do check list and simply rest.

Sound, irresponsible?

NEVER. Instead, I believe "sometimes" we simply need to evaluate matters of urgency from issues that can wait until tomorrow.

Today, was one of those "sometimes." So, I resisted the temptation to fall prey to the thought , I just have one more thing to do...and then I'll be done. Instead, I listened to the Holy Spirit encourage me to focus on simple (yet comforting) words like: Rest. Relax. Renew.

Hebrews 4:9-11 reminded me, "There remains, then, a Sabbath — rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." (NIV)

So how about it? Will you join me? Will you take a rest from your worries? Will you retreat from your labors? Will you choose to enter the Sabbath God intended for you?

How? It's pretty simply...

• First, take a deep breath. Go on...breathe in, breathe out! AHHHHHHHHH. Relax your shoulders.
• Second, retreat to a place of prayer. Take time to get good and honest with God. Tell Him how you are feeling. Better yet, ask Him to share His thoughts? Are there things you need to let go of? What is He calling you to release?
• Finally, meditate on the truth. Release your fears and fatigue by remember Who God Is and by holding fast to what He has promised.

1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages us to "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (NIV)

Today, The Holy Spirit reminded me that God cares for me. He reassured me that God is POWERFUL. And, He renewed my soul just as He promised in Isaiah 40:28-31.

"The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (NIV)

The key??? Hope and wait on the Lord!!!

WHEWWWW! Praying you enter that rest too!