The struggle is worth it. I am not talking about the struggle to accumulate titles, acquire resources, and earn degrees and positions. Instead, the struggle toward walking and living in the rest of God is worth the effort and the battle it takes to get there.
Sometimes in my life, I question what the rest of God is. I believe I had it before, right. I was at peace. I had the joy. I had the confidence and trust to lean into Him. The obstacles didn’t matter nor the darkness the loomed ahead. Because I could see the light, I could feel the light, not only around me but within. I had the assurance that Christ was with me, and that was enough. I could take rest in Him and not worry about the other stuff. I worked and accomplished things throughout the day. I lean into His grace.
Where am I now? I see a glimpse of the light shining, and I smile and rest. I am at peace, and I breathe. But, Before I can detect it, the waves of what if come in, and the blankets of disappointment and other negative emotions began to wrap around… Then I again I am bound by the weight of the day, of this life. I grow weary; I grow tired. I trudge on…
I try again to see the light, to find the rest. I know that the struggle is worth it no matter if the enemy is giving it his best. I am offered rest. I am reminded that it is there for me. Now again, I must take off what I have put on through habit and societal conditioning. I said I would do better today. I wouldn't fret. I wouldn't overwork myself with works of the flesh. I told myself I didn't have anything to prove and that I would trust and rest. But then the day starts, and the reasonings and affirmations I so easily forget.
Yesterday's failures, today's backslides, will not stop me from disciplining myself to rest. To take what Christ has offered and live my life at its best—trusting and leaning on Him, allowing Him to guide the way—talking to Him about my anxiety and stress so that His peace guards my heart and soul each day—acknowledging that through His humble ways He wants to teach me how. Knowing that because it is important, the enemy will continue to try and devour. He will pick apart and try to discredit God's peace, but I will just keep giving it all back to God. He will stay faithful in His commitment to me, and the work He has started in me He will complete.
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Christ offers us rest, and there is nothing that should keep us from accepting it.
Take the time this week and build up your faith about being able to live in the rest of God. Our faith in God's promises is strengthened when we hear and meditate on God's word. Here are some verses that will help:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
1 Peter 5:7-8 (NIV) "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
James 10:9-10 (NIV) "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) “ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Romans 8:38-39(NIV) "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) " Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
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