Rest Archives

It’s time to take a break

What does vacation 2020 look like for you?

The cruise industry has been sending catalogs lately—for 2021.

The airlines are making adjustments—but I’m still not ready to get on a plane.

So, I’ve decided I need a good staycation. I need to rest, but, most importantly, I need my mind to rest.

3 steps to a rested mind and a rested soul

Vacations are a good idea. I don’t own a Winnebago so I am going to have a great staycation.

I can’t rest if I continue to do what I have been doing. A good break requires a few changes. Since I won’t have a change of scenery, I need to change what I am doing with the view I have.

Step 1: Eliminate the noise . . . I mean news

It’s time to turn off the news—a.k.a. noise.

I’m seriously frustrated with the lack of objective reporting these days. I’m not going to change their drama, but I can turn it off.

When I heard that Walter Cronkite had passed away, I was sad. My next thought was, “So has his style of reporting.”

The old Dragnet show used to say, “Just the facts, ma’am.” That’s what we need.

How does a person find “just the facts, ma’am”?

Click on a headline page from your favorite paper and only read the article if you need to know more.

Most of the time, the headline is sufficient. There just isn’t a reason to fill our minds with the angst of today’s news, especially if the reporters are working hard to create angst, as opposed to “just the facts, ma’am.”

We can’t rest our minds if we keep filling them with the world’s opinions. Hit the off button on the news for a while and remember what King Solomon told us: “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back” (Proverbs 29:11).

What would King Solomon say about television these days!

Step 2: Increase the quiet

What calms your heart and mind? Quiet music? A great book? An early-morning walk? An extended time of prayer?

Everyone is different. I wish I were hiking in the coolness of the mountains, enjoying the view.

I can’t do that right now, but I can get up early and enjoy a long walk in my neighborhood. I’ve really enjoyed waving at neighbors. That is one of my COVID blessings.

There is something powerful about pure quiet. Could it be because that is when God’s voice is loud?

The prophet Isaiah said, “For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength’ (Isaiah 30:15). But the rest of that verse matters as well. Isaiah went on to tell God’s people, “But you were unwilling.”

Quiet is something most people don’t choose, but they desperately need it.

Our spiritual strength is found in the quiet, when we listen to and trust God’s voice in our lives.

Are we willing?

Step 3: Step off the treadmill and find your path

It often feels like our lives are spent running hard on a treadmill. We do what we need to do to have a healthy life, but, at the end of the day, we are still in the same place we started.

The treadmill of life is necessary. We need to survive. But, life isn’t just about surviving. God wanted more for his kids. We need to take time and rest from our normal activities if we want to rest our souls.

The prophet Jeremiah was speaking for God when he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls’” (Jeremiah 6:16).

It isn’t enough to just know you need to get back to the “Walter Cronkite” days. (We only had three channels back then. Maybe that was a good idea?)

A lot of people only had one car. Most homes had a front porch with chairs. We had four-foot fences so the kids and the dogs could stay safe, but we could still see over them and have a conversation with our neighbors.

How “tall” is your fence today?

It isn’t enough to just wish for the “ancient paths” or simply remember them. The Lord said to stand on those roads and “look.” Ask him for those ancient paths because they are the “good way.”

But, when we know the good way, we have to choose to “walk” there. It’s then we find rest for our souls.

However, Jeremiah 6:16 ends with words similar to Isaiah’s: “You will find rest for your souls,” but the people said, “We will not walk in it.”

What would you say?

It’s time to rest

I wish knowing God’s word was the same thing as “living” God’s word. The Pharisee within me is often satisfied with knowing instead of doing.

I know I’m supposed to rest, and I will! There will be less news and more quiet, and I will choose to do those things that cause my soul to rest. It’s time to take a break from the angst and remember that the God who created the world is more than capable of running it!

Things are better than they seem when we see them through God’s truth. There is a reason Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

We know that verse, but will we “do it”?

I’m going to.

My blog will be silent for a couple of weeks and, hopefully, my life will as well. I’m ready for some quiet, and I’m ready to rest myself and my soul. I will be back at my computer later. For now, I wish for you a couple of weeks of quiet as well.

Now, I’m off to “do” almost nothing.

Blessings.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

When Your Cup Runneth Under

Do you sometimes feel like you view this world from the wrong side of the glass?

I watched the news and almost every story related to the death of Kobe Bryant. I found myself wondering about the others who were on the helicopter. Everyone’s life matters. Which of them had a relationship with Jesus that will bring their families comfort for these hard days?

I’m sitting in front of my computer and my only thought is, “Why is the world so consumed by the death of a famous basketball player?”

There have been countless versions of the story, endless details, and multiple interviews. I’ve not seen one interview that expressed concern for the eternal lives of the people on that helicopter. I’ve not heard a family member express a word about their faith.

I finally realized my great sadness in this terrible tragedy is that I think the world is grieving the loss of someone they cared very much about, but many of them are grieving without hope. Jesus, the most famous person who ever walked this planet, can help them.

Who is saying that to these families?

I realized I was watching all of these reports with my own grief, from the other side of the glass. I was grieving for people who might have made sports an idol. I was grieving for spouses and other family members who were left behind. I was grieving for children who would never know their siblings. And some who would never really know their moms or their dads.

I grew up in California and I have seen fog so thick you couldn’t see the tree just outside the window. I grieved what I believe was a really bad choice that caused this terrible tragedy. But, this isn’t a time for blame; it’s a time to comfort.

Frankly, my cup “runneth under” this morning. I need to refill it for the many conversations and questions ahead.

Do you feel the same way?

What do you do when your cup runneth under?

Everyone needs Jesus, but so many want something else—something less.

Christians have a job to do during these days of grief. We will hear a lot of people discuss this tragedy. We need the power to share God’s truth and we need the Holy Spirit to lead. We need God’s wisdom and strength. But what should we do when our cup runneth under, as it often does?

God’s word has the answer.

1. See things with God’s perspective.

Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Turn the television off, shut the lid on your computer, and look to the sunrise, sunsets, and all that is God’s creation. Realize that we who are Christians aren’t the ones viewing the world from the wrong side of the glass. We’ve already crossed over, and we see things from the other side.

The other side of the glass is simply the ability to see things with God’s perspective. Jesus was in the world but never of the world. Those who are “in Christ” will often feel that same way.

2. Value the eternal rewards.

Second Corinthians 4:18 says, “As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

Christians can’t view people’s fame the same way others do. We have higher standards for the things we value. If a reward doesn’t last forever, it isn’t really worth our effort.

3. Install new batteries as needed.

Ephesians 6:10 says, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

It’s okay to feel like your cup runneth under. God actually designed our bodies and souls to run on the strength of his might. He wanted us to need him.

So, we have been manufactured by God to need new batteries, and God is our only reliable source. We have all installed those cheap batteries. They might work for a while, but, in the end, they weren’t worth the price.

When your cup runneth under

How bright is the light of your witness today?

The answer to that question will help you know what to do next.

If your cup runneth under, it’s best to recognize your need and do what is necessary to gain strength from God. He wants to speak and share his love through us, so we need to be usable. Our strength and wisdom will be insufficient for these days. God’s is limitless and perfect. We need to be careful to speak through his Spirit, or not speak at all.

Christians will always see things in the world from the other side of the glass. We are supposed to. But our light shines through that glass to those on the other side. How will you carefully submit your witness to God?

It is okay to feel used up sometimes. Running low on strength probably means you are doing your job!

It is also okay to take a break and do what is necessary to recharge your light. God made you to need time off and time away—with him. Remember what you were created for and seek God for the “strength of his might.”

He created you to need him. That need will lead to your eternal rewards. You are able to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We have a culture that needs to witness that light today.

The Lord will use you this week to speak.

The world has been reminded that nothing on earth is forever. Be careful to speak his words of comfort and help. Eternity can be their hope too.

This tragedy will be redeemed by God, through those that serve his good purpose.

I pray there will be more people who view life from the other side of the glass in the days that come.

God Didn’t Need to Rest

God didn’t need to rest. He chose to rest.

He wanted to set a great example for all of us.

But, as is typical, most of us don’t follow his example very well.

We were created to sleep.

Did you know there is a National Sleep Foundation?

There is an interesting article that you might want to read about American sleep habits. I won’t quote statistics, but most Americans don’t get enough sleep, and that is affecting almost everything else in their lives.

Another article provided the National Sleep Foundation’s new set of guidelines. Adults have been given a “range” for recommended hours of sleep per night. According to their comprehensive research, we need anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep each night. If you are over sixty-five, that range is seven to eight.

Are you getting enough sleep? I do.

I’m one of those who’s blessed with the ability to sleep, most of the time. My mom has told me that I was the only kid in Kindergarten who had to be woken up after “rest time.” I still like an afternoon nap!

I go to bed early and get up early. I write most of my blogs around 5:30 a.m. I’ve discovered a unique link between coffee and the voice of God in my life! The Holy Spirit has a strange propensity to use my caffeinated brain for creative purposes.

I love to sleep because I love its benefits.

Why did God create us with a need for sleep?

I embrace the chance to sleep each night.

One of my favorite moments is when I am done with the day and crawl into bed. One of my other favorite moments is when I realize it’s morning and I get to brew that first cup of coffee!

If God made us to sleep, he must have had a great reason. Consider these possibilities:

If we are sleeping, we aren’t sinning. Imagine how many sins we have escaped just because we were sound asleep!
If we aren’t sleeping, we aren’t dreaming. I wonder how many “un-remembered” dreams have been lessons from God. What if the Lord is speaking to us as we sleep? We know that a lot of dreams are recorded in Scripture and were used by God to teach or lead.
God wanted rest to be one of his blessings. Don’t you feel grateful when you wake up from a good night’s sleep? The next time, consider that feeling to be his blessing.

God rested from his work.

God didn’t sleep, but he did rest. He stopped working. Every summer, I try to follow that example for a couple of weeks!

I have a stack of books I’m looking forward to reading. I will also spend some of my time just enjoying God’s creation. Rest should be for our bodies, minds, and, especially, our souls.

I’m looking forward to not blogging, not studying, and, hopefully, not “thinking” about work for a couple of weeks. I’m going to rest instead.

I’m grateful for all of you.

Before I “quit” for a couple of weeks, I wanted to tell you that I’m grateful for each of you, my readers. I consider it a privilege to write each week. I love God’s word, and I love the chance to share it with all of you.

So, I leave by sharing a passage I think all of us should consider for these weeks of “rest” from a blog post. Psalm 127 is attributed to Solomon and is called a “Psalm of Ascent.” It is part of a collection of Psalms used by the Jewish people as they made their annual religious pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

Passover, Pentecost, the Festival of Lights, and other holidays required a great deal of commitment and effort for most of the Jewish nation. They left their homes and their work, then walked great distances in order to ascend Mt. Zion and worship at the temple.

Solomon wrote these words to encourage people to make that effort to “rest” from their daily work and worship their God. He said:

Unless the Lord builds the house,
    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.
—Psalm 127:1–2

Rest is not time wasted.

Our culture measures our success differently than God does.

King Solomon was probably the hardest “working” person in Scripture. But he was also one of the wisest men. He wrote that Psalm for our spiritual benefit. None of us want to live our lives “in vain.”

So, get some rest. Get your sleep. Receive those things as you would receive any other blessing.

God created us with the need for rest and meets that need so we can know we are blessed.

Have a happy couple of weeks—I plan to!

Blessings . . .

Janet

That First Fire of the Season

I peeked at the thermostat and shivered. It was 48 degrees on Saturday morning at Possum Kingdom Lake. So, I turned on the coffee and reached for the fireplace remote. A few minutes later, I sat quietly with my warm mug, watching the flames and enjoying every moment of the morning.

October was a blur. Travel always seems to do that. Those days in Israel were amazing, but sitting in my favorite spot at the lake was a great reminder that my life is abundantly blessed. It’s November and I have a lot to think about. A warm fire and a hot cup of coffee create a perfect setting for those thoughts.

I’ve always been an early riser, but my parents were up even earlier. Almost every winter morning, I would come down the hall and see my mom and dad sitting by the fireplace, drinking their coffee. I remember thinking, “One day, when I get married, I’m going to sit in front of the fireplace and drink coffee with my husband too.” That didn’t work out very well. Jim gets up earlier than I do. He finishes his daily article, posts it to send, podcasts the content, and then takes off for his morning walk. AND, he doesn’t even drink coffee! (That’s probably a good thing . . . I’ve often remarked that no one would want to try to keep up with Jim—after caffeine.)

That said, God has provided me a lot of mornings to sit quietly, alone with my thoughts, a good cup of coffee and a fire on cold winter days. It is during these moments that God is most likely to place a person on my mind who needs prayer or a quick email of encouragement. God often uses these moments to direct my thoughts to what I should teach, write, or say that week. I read different devotionals and emails, and I almost always read Jim’s article and Craig’s First 15. I’ve found that if I can have my morning moments, the rest of the day just seems to work better.

I’m picturing all of you today, reading this email after listening to the morning news. I’m sure the news reports are filled with election results and opinions about those results. Some of you are waiting on your kids to get downstairs so you can run them to school. Many of you are grabbing your cup of coffee in a commuter cup so you can drink it on the way to work. I encourage all of you to carve out some moments of quiet in your busy day. God made us to be still.

Scripture doesn’t suggest “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Scripture flat out commands it. I’ve often said that if we don’t find time to be still, other things will become a god to us. If work or family needs are more urgent than spending time with God, then work and family have become gods. The television, the computer, social media, and cell phones can all become gods if we take time to be still with them instead of the Creator of all things. God doesn’t demand we spend time with him. Instead, he taught us a result of spending time with him. We will know that he is God.

I’m grateful that you read this blog each week, and I hope you will continue. But, I want you to close the computer and be still with God as a result. He has so much to say to you, from the pages of your Bible and from the quiet thoughts the Holy Spirit will author as you take the time to be still with your Creator. Quiet is a powerful spiritual discipline. No wonder our world seems to get a bit noisier and a lot busier with each passing year.

Each year I write an Advent devotional for our ministry. I hope it will help you include a word about Christ into each day of your busy holiday season. The title of the devotional this year is Joy to Your World. Joy is an ongoing theme in the Christmas story and throughout Scripture. This year I rewrote Joy to Your World so that kids could have the devotional for themselves. That edition is available as well, offered from our ChristianParenting.org ministry.

If you would like to request a copy of either edition, we would love to send it to you. The children’s edition has a limited quantity, so don’t wait too long if you want that one. I hope these Advent devotionals will be a blessing to you and your families.

The quiet moments with God are the most important moments with God. I hope you will find some time to “be still” and embrace the joy of spending time with your heavenly Father. He adores you and wants nothing more than to fill those moments with his Presence.

I don’t sit by my fire with Jim in the mornings, but I don’t sit by my fire alone. Set your alarm, get the coffee ready to go, and crank up the fireplace if you have one. It just takes a little effort to be still, and God is waiting to make himself known to you in new and fresh ways. I wish you his great peace for today and the holiday months ahead.