Get Some Rest in the Lord
Psalm 55:6 is a terrific verse. It says, “Oh that I had wings like a dove for then I would fly away and be at rest.”
We’ve all felt at times that we just want to get away from everything and everyone. We need rest in these situations. These are the days where nothing seems to go according to plan, and you feel that being absolutely anywhere else would be more restful or peaceful.
The Bible has something to say about it. In Matthew chapter 11 we read “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
I love that promise in verse 28, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He doesn’t say, “I might,” or “maybe,” or “if you’re good enough,” or “if you ask nicely enough.” He says, “Come, I will give you rest.”
It’s not uncommon for people to be unclear about how they can go to the Lord. we all need rest at times, but they may be unsure about what they can do to go to the Lord.
The way we come before the Lord is to just simply bring ourselves. Bring that tired body and just sit down. Rest a while and soak in the beauty of His creation. Just allow yourself some time to do nothing except to rest your body when it is tired.
Mental rest is also needed from time to time in this stressful world in which we live. To get mental rest you need to be able to re-direct your attention from work, relationships, or whatever is the source of your stress and anxiety. Think about pleasant things that help you to relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
To get emotional rest, focus on things that make you feel at peace. Get your attention away from anything that leads to anxious feelings. Think of things that make you laugh and smile. Come before God in prayer and share your feelings with Him. He already knows your thoughts and feelings, so there is no reason to try and hide anything.
Come before Him in worship and praise. Just tell Him how great He is. Read the Psalms. Pray the Psalms and sing them. Sing some of the old hymns. Meditate for a while just thinking about the greatness of God and His promises. Come before Him by reading His Word. Come to the Lord. He promises, “I will give you rest.” That’s the way to have those wings, take off and fly and be at rest.
Dr. Ann Shorb is a counselor, writer, and speaker. She is the founder of Christian Counseling … Educational Services in Hanover, PA. Her website includes tons of resources, like devotionals, articles, hymn lyrics, wallpaper, brochures, tracts, and puppet skits.
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