Isaiah 40:28-31
Don’t you know?
Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the eternal God,
Creator of the earth.
He never gets weary or tired;
his wisdom cannot be measured.
The Lord gives strength
to those who are weary.
Even young people get tired,
then stumble and fall.
But those who trust the Lord
will find new strength.
They will be strong like eagles
soaring upward on wings;
they will walk and run
without getting tired.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
There
is something so bittersweet about watching a little child who cannot
stay awake. Their actions can range from comical to pitiful as they
struggle to keep their eyes open and/or remain upright. I remember one
evening when my mom came to visit Timothy, and as she sat on our hearth
and held him, his little head began to bob…his eyes began to droop…and
soon he was slumped over - sound asleep as he sat on her knee. One
night last winter, Zola pulled a little child’s rocking chair (that had
been mine when I was little) right in front of the TV and began to “rock
her babies” (a couple of stuffed teddy bears). Soon, her head began to
droop until she was nearly bent over double…she had completely rocked
HERSELF to sleep! Looking at her, I didn’t know whether to laugh or
cry!
Now we all know that little children do not sleep for very
long, unless they are sick or injured. Soon enough, they spring back to
life, fully energized and rejuvenated. And complain as they may, the
rest is always good for them. Truthfully, rest is vital for ALL of
us…critical to our good health and well-being!
Spiritual rest is
essential, too. There will come a time in every person’s life where
something will cause him/her to grow weary… to say, “I am not sure I can
do this.” This is when God will step in and undergird us with His
strength and wisdom…His love and grace. He carries us when we are so
weak, tired or burdened that we can no longer “hold our eyes open”. God
grants us a season of rest, infuses us with His energy and potency, and
stands us upright under HIS power, rather than our own.
I have
no doubt that many are weary today…and you may be among them. Teachers
(AND students) who are finishing their last day or week of school are
exhausted and in need of rest – or at least a change of scenery for a
few weeks. I know friends who are burying loved ones and dealing with
the aftermath that comes with a death. Still, others are moving and
scrambling to buy and sell houses, sort through their “stuff” and get
every last box packed securely. Some are looking for a job…and finding
the prospects frustrating, at best. Others are struggling with
relationship issues, facing a health crisis, or dealing with mountains
of bills and financial woes. Many are aging and dealing with all that
this stage of life brings.
Regardless of what zaps your strength
and energy, God can help you to rest and rejuvenate. He is in the
“restoration” business! You owe it to yourself to sit down, put up your
feet, and spend a few minutes resting with Him. I promise… it will be
the most “therapeutic” activity of your day! Aren’t you ready to soar
like an eagle under the power of God? Will this be the day that you
begin to rest in Him?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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