I know, yet another non-word I am using in the title, but our devotional today has us reflecting (and hopefully yearning) for the rest and refreshing impact our Lord can have in our lives.
Me?
Too often, I find myself scurrying through life considering all the ways I can improve it (financially, emotionally, spiritually) and protect it (insurance, savings, home security) and just get so overwhelmed with the perpetual struggle of it all. I see others around me who appear to 'have it all together' and too easily, I get caught up in the 'keep up with them' or the 'do better than them' struggle... then, I read in Psalms 37:7, which states; "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
So, I need to rest in the Lord... let my mind, body, and soul be refreshed by His presence in my life. Another scripture (Psalms 131:2) conveys this as; "Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child." Deep within us, there in that independently unique relationship we have with the Lord there is a private well-spring of joy, of peace, of calming assurance that His grace is sufficient for me. But, I have to be quiet, settled, waiting...
This alone gives me rest. This alone calms my soul. This alone settles my anxiousness for the 'things around me' and I regain that 'things within me' perspective, again. THEN is my mind and body refreshed, then is my life restored in His will. As the Psalmist said in 21:6 "For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance." His Rest, His Refreshment; His Presence results in these. Focus on Him today.