Resting In Jesus, pt 5
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you today to rest in you. Thank you for your constant provision. You are there for us; we just need to ask.
READ:
”Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33
REFLECT:
In my reading on the subject of resting in God I stumbled upon a devotion that spoke of letting go of self-awareness and replacing it with God-awareness. In our “love thyself”, “treat yourself”, “self-care” culture this idea seems very foreign, but the more I read, the more it rings true. When we let go of (and sometimes ruthlessly cut out) our focus on ourselves we can fill that mental and spiritual space with God-awareness; thus creating room for the Holy Spirit, which is indwelling within us, to advocate for us. To give us rest.
If we try to decrease our own self-awareness through our very practical human means, it doesn’t work. It only increases our focus on self. What to do? Turn to Jesus. He says, “Come to me…and I will give you rest.” What is more exhausting than focusing on the puzzle that is my human needs? I would rather trust in the Lord and live in safety. There is no rest for the weary apart from the Holy Spirit.
APPLY:
Consider John 14:26-27 26 “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus descended into Heaven and the Holy Spirit came to aid Christians. There is mystery around the trinity, but that is a beautiful provision for us.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, thank you that your yoke is easy and your burden is light. We know that in this life we will be yoked to something. Soften our hearts to your word. Let it be a living thing, shaping and encouraging us. Give us rest. Amen.