The Flame Within

Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace, those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

One of the areas I need constant discipline and intentional focus is rest. Rest should be easy… I mean it’s “REST”, it’s relaxation, it’s calming, and rejuvenating. Yet, as for myself, obtaining sufficent rest remains one of the most impossible feats. I find establishing rest is not popular and the busy cycle of life continually wins. Rest seems to be fought hard against by my own flesh, my schedule, external circumstances, people around me, and the world at large. The enemy fights hard against rest because he knows that rest pulls us closer to God, is healing, and gives us the ingredients to victory. All of which the ruler of evil in this world loves and desires.

The times in my life when I feel overwhelmed, lacking in peace, and struggling with other areas of discipline (eating healthy, exercising, reading my Bible, spending quality time with my family members, keeping the house orderly, remembering to take vitamins and adequately caring for my body); God gently reminds me of the importance of rest. The older I get, the more rest my mind, body, and spirit require. The older I get, the longer it takes my body to recover from periods of insufficient rest. [This is quite frustrating. Getting older is also something we fight against.] Interesting.

Perhaps, it’s all a part of living in a fallen and broken world?

Without rest it is impossible to hear from God. Without rest it is impossible to seek God. Without rest it is impossible for our mind, body, and souls to rejuvenate and heal.

Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

Today, I am making an intentional effort to rest. Because, my mind, body, and spirit is communicating its desperate need for true rest and the stillness of God.

How about you? How can you take a moment today or this week to “intentionally rest”? A gentle walk, sitting on the back porch with a book, going to bed early, or sitting in a quiet room with gentle music. Rest doesn’t have to be big or expensive; In fact, the best rest is free, inexpensive, easily attainable. Rest requires discipline, intentional focus, and setting boundaries; That’s the hardest part of rest.

Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you to rest in Him today.

In quiet prayer and meditation the Lord speaks, we need only to provide the environment of serenity to hear His voice.

Blessings,

Crystal