Psalm 127:1-2
If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I don’t know about you, but plop me in front of the television after dinner, and unless the show or movie is really compelling – or I have something to do with my hands, like folding clothes – I will often be asleep before the first sitcom ends! Yet when I go to bed, I toss and turn and am wide awake! My mind races and I think of all sorts of things… what I need to do the next day, what I must buy at the grocery store, wondering why I ate that ice cream and/or didn’t work out, and more. If something happens to be weighing on my mind – a concern or a problem – I find drifting off to sleep even more challenging.
For some, going to sleep is not the issue – it’s staying asleep! Some people wake up too early in the mornings – others wake in the middle of the night. But many find going back to sleep to be difficult, if not impossible.
If you are one of those who cannot fall asleep because your “worries of the day” are weighing you down, this passage is for you. If you wake in the night, and your mind starts to race and keep you up, this passage is also for you. The bottom line is that God wants us to rest. He wants to take our worries, cares, mental lists and the “video loop of our day” and handle all of these things for us… and we need to let Him.
“Oh, if it were only that simple!” you may say. It actually can be. The next time you find yourself wide awake, pray. Ask God to take whatever is on your mind and keeping you up and handle it for you. Then simply start to talk to God… to pray for others… to express your cares and your burdens. I find that often I am talking to God one minute, and the next thing I know, I’ve “prayed myself to sleep!” The worst that can happen is that you make good use of your awake time by communicating with God. And often, as you share your thoughts with Him, He gathers them up and handles them so that you can rest.
You might think this passage is telling you not to work so hard. There is nothing wrong with hard work. But this passage is about a healthy balance… and rest… and resting in the LORD. The latter is something we all need to do more often. God is better than Ambien, Lunesta or Tylenol P.M.! If you are trying to handle life without Him, you’re bound to be in for some sleepless nights.
How much have you made God a part of things in your life? Do you have a good balance of work and rest? Is He handling things for you on a regular basis? How well have you been sleeping lately?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label rest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rest. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for March 3, 2011
Psalm 37:3-7
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother often tells me, “I just can’t do everything like I used to.” I know what she means. Even though I am almost half her age, I have come to understand that I can get overloaded if I don’t take time to rest. And I know that when I do this, my body loses its ability to fight off germs and illnesses, and sometimes I can become physically sick. I’ve learned to pace myself, and when things get really hectic, I grab some time to be still and rest for awhile.
The truth is, we all can become mentally and spiritually overloaded at times. We can let the worries and stresses of the day… the challenges and temptations… the constant pestering of the devil to get us down. And if we are not careful – if we don’t give ourselves time to rest and restore – we will have a Spiritual breakdown. Satan loves this! He loves to dig at us, and he will not stop. He loves to catch us weak and vulnerable, and that’s when he really goes to work planting seeds of dissention, skepticism and second-guessing, discontent and more. All of this can leave us susceptible to sin and Spiritual sickness.
So how do we stay healthy? Physically, we listen to our bodies and rest when necessary. We skip that night out with friends to stay home in pj’s and “veg out” in front of the TV or read a good book. We eat right and stay hydrated… we exercise and stay fit. We don’t overindulge in bad foods and inactivity.
Spiritually, we spend time resting in the Lord. We set aside some quiet time to sit in a chair or on a rock or wherever it’s relatively peaceful, and we simply talk to God… pour out our hearts to Him, tell Him about our day, and then listen to what He has to say in return. We make time to read our Bible. We surround ourselves with people who love God and wish to wholeheartedly serve Him. We get away from the noise and busyness of the world and engage in some one-on-One time with the Lord… a walk, sitting and listening to our favorite Christian music, or just lying down and closing our eyes and shutting out everything but God.
Be still in the Lord… wait patiently for Him…make time in His presence a priority… and give yourself permission to rest in the Lord. This will be some of the best time you spend each day… and set the tone for everything else. Take time to delight in Him, and He really will give you the desires of your heart.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My grandmother often tells me, “I just can’t do everything like I used to.” I know what she means. Even though I am almost half her age, I have come to understand that I can get overloaded if I don’t take time to rest. And I know that when I do this, my body loses its ability to fight off germs and illnesses, and sometimes I can become physically sick. I’ve learned to pace myself, and when things get really hectic, I grab some time to be still and rest for awhile.
The truth is, we all can become mentally and spiritually overloaded at times. We can let the worries and stresses of the day… the challenges and temptations… the constant pestering of the devil to get us down. And if we are not careful – if we don’t give ourselves time to rest and restore – we will have a Spiritual breakdown. Satan loves this! He loves to dig at us, and he will not stop. He loves to catch us weak and vulnerable, and that’s when he really goes to work planting seeds of dissention, skepticism and second-guessing, discontent and more. All of this can leave us susceptible to sin and Spiritual sickness.
So how do we stay healthy? Physically, we listen to our bodies and rest when necessary. We skip that night out with friends to stay home in pj’s and “veg out” in front of the TV or read a good book. We eat right and stay hydrated… we exercise and stay fit. We don’t overindulge in bad foods and inactivity.
Spiritually, we spend time resting in the Lord. We set aside some quiet time to sit in a chair or on a rock or wherever it’s relatively peaceful, and we simply talk to God… pour out our hearts to Him, tell Him about our day, and then listen to what He has to say in return. We make time to read our Bible. We surround ourselves with people who love God and wish to wholeheartedly serve Him. We get away from the noise and busyness of the world and engage in some one-on-One time with the Lord… a walk, sitting and listening to our favorite Christian music, or just lying down and closing our eyes and shutting out everything but God.
Be still in the Lord… wait patiently for Him…make time in His presence a priority… and give yourself permission to rest in the Lord. This will be some of the best time you spend each day… and set the tone for everything else. Take time to delight in Him, and He really will give you the desires of your heart.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 10, 2011
Psalm 28:8-9
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
You give strength to your people, LORD, and you save and protect your chosen ones. Come save us and bless us. Be our shepherd and always carry us in your arms.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
My maternal grandmother’s sister Mary Louise, died recently at age 89. She had moved into a local nursing home six years ago following the death of her husband. Her son and daughter visited last fall when she became quite ill but was still somewhat alert. Neither of them returned to Arkansas for her burial. The only surviving relatives who were able to attend the graveside service were my sister and me, and my niece.
When I arrived at the cemetery on a very cold, windy, but sunny morning, my niece had brought her baby, Timothy, along. She didn’t have anyone to watch him, and the service was going to be brief. Timmy was wearing his coat… and he had on long jeans, but he didn’t have any gloves. My niece said several times, “I didn’t realize it was going to be this cold.”
At the last minute, I had tucked a crocheted neck scarf and a long silk shawl into my car, along with my heavy wool coat. I got the scarf and tied it around Timmy’s hood to keep it in place, and then we wrapped him in the shawl to keep the wind off of his hands. He wanted me to hold him during the service, so I did. I decided his legs might be cold, so I unbuttoned my coat and wrapped it around him, snuggling him to me as the pastor spoke about our aunt.
I gently bounced Timmy as scripture was read, and when I glanced down, I saw his eyes begin to droop. Soon, his head plopped onto my chest, and he was sound asleep. I snuggled him close and “loved on him” – one of my favorite things to do. When the service ended, I handed him to his mother so she could put him back in the car, and she said, “Timothy, you are so warm!”
I thought about this later and realized… this is just how God snuggles us as Christians. We are wrapped in the safe warmth of His arms… shielded from the blustery winds and cold of life… then welcomed home when we die. He loves us so much and delights in the time when we draw close and rest in Him. It is one of His favorite things to do, also!
When was the last time you let God “love on you?” When was the last time you surrendered and let Him hold you… take your cares and your concerns… and snuggle you in the warmth of his embrace. How long has it been since you rested and “napped” nestled against God’s chest? Isn’t it time you did? Wouldn’t His warmth feel good right about now? Let God hold you and give you comfort. Feel His arms surround you and provide you with a soft place to fall. He’s ready… are you?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for July 6, 2010
July 6 ~ Isaiah 40:29-31
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.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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.
Like many babies, Timothy fights sleep. We can tell when he is becoming tired. He wobbles and stumbles as he walks, drops toys, and cries. Dark circles form under his eyes, and he whines and becomes fussy. But let him have a good nap… and everything changes. His eyes brighten. He is steady on his feet, and his walk becomes almost a run at times. He can carry his toys and books with him and never drop anything, unless he wants to do so. Yes indeed, even young people get tired, stumble and fall.
In truth, this passage is not about being physically tired as much as mental and spiritual fatigue. And we all experience this from time to time. “Life” gets us down, and we become discouraged… and maybe even exhausted. But God can lift us. He is like the two-hour nap that refreshes a baby… He can give us new strength and courage for whatever we are facing.
When Timmy gets weary, he does everything he can to keep from falling asleep… hair and ear pulling, extra walking and tumbling, and pounding on his crib mattress with his fists and feet. Does this describe you when you are spiritually weary? Do you wring your hands and cry and stay up late and stew over your problems night and day? Just as we tell our little nephew, “You will feel better after you rest,” God is saying this to us… “Come rest in Me… let Me refresh you and handle your worries… see how much difference some ‘God-nap’ time can make.”
Everyone can benefit from a good nap. But the most important rest we can get may very well be “rest in the Lord.” Are you getting enough these days?
©2010 Debbie Robus
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