The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14 (NIV)
Lately I have been having some sleeping issues. I keep waking up during the wee morning hours, long before I need to get up for work. My mind starts racing. I worry. I problem-solve. I toss and turn. And finally, exhausted, I get up. The other morning, I woke up at four o’clock, hearing the garbage truck rumbling down our street. Realizing we had forgotten to take out the recycling, I climbed out of bed, pulling on the first pair of shoes I could find. I headed out the door and grabbed the giant recycling can. Tiptoeing down our path to the street, I misjudged my footing, and rolled my ankle. Badly. One second, I was taking out the garbage . . . the next I was lying in our wood chips and lavender, gazing up at the stars. I thought, I should have stayed in bed. I should have.
Rest can be an elusive thing. The stress of family dynamics can keep us up at night. Financial difficulties and pressures at work can rob us of our peace. But when we let our worries overtake us, it rarely ends well. We end up exhausted . . . sometimes laid out in the lavender bush. We need rest in order to function and to heal. In those anxious moments, when we can’t seem to find peace of mind or rest in body, we can turn to Jesus. When we give Him our worries, we can find rest. Jesus is with us. He cares for us body, mind, and spirit. He makes us lie down in green pastures. He leads us beside still waters. He restores our souls.
Faith Step: Take a moment to close your eyes, knowing Jesus is there with you. Share your worries with Him. Know that He will take care of them and restore your soul.
