“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul” (Psalm 94:19). I really wish my brain had an off switch, or at least a volume control. My thoughts run wild as soon as I lay down to go to sleep at night and it can be…
“If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to…
Psalms 61:2 “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Have you ever had an unexpected situation sneak up on you in life? Did it completely catch you off guard? I experienced…
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. (Genesis 2:2, NIV) God is our example. He chose to rest on the seventh day because of all the work He had done. If God chose…
“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29
I recently heard a beautiful gospel song entitled “The God of the Storm.” I can’t remember all the words but some of them were, “troubled waters of danger set a stage for His feet, I’m peaceful in the midst of danger and harm, beneath the safe cover of the God of the storms.”
I was reading the story in Mark about Jesus telling His disciples that they were going to the other side of the lake. When the storm arose, He was asleep in the back of the ship, but the disciples were afraid and woke Him, asking Him if He did not care. He asked them why they did not have faith, and He stilled the storm. They should have realized that with Him in the boat they had nothing to fear.
Another line from that song says, “when the winds of confusion have gone on all night long, take shelter and rest with the God of the storm.
I am so thankful I know the God of the storm, and that He is always there.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are the God of the storm, you are always in control, and when we call out to you, you bring peace.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
“And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” Genesis 2:2
Imagine a world without rest. Being expected to be awake and busy 24/7… talk about a shortened life span! None of us would be around for long. God used the seventh day of creation to demonstrate to us that we need to rest.
So we need to take that to heart, by getting a good rest at night, because He gives His beloved sleep. And we need to have a day of rest and worship each week, when we are refreshed and rejuvenated. As well, we need periodic vacations, a break from our job routine to spend time with the ones we love and recalibrate ourselves.
We need spiritual rest also; and that comes from the Holy Spirit. But we also need to implement the rest principle as we work for God. We cannot minister constantly without burning out. It is important to follow our Creator’s example and plan times and seasons of rest
Prayer: Lord, help me to intentionally build rest and relaxation into my schedule, and not feel guilty about it. This body You gave me has to last a lifetime, so help me to take good care of it.
Devotion by Liane Grant
“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters,” (Psalm 23:2, Holy Bible, New King James).
Cascading waterfalls are exciting for spectators. White water rapids are stimulating. Both are a challenge to navigate for even the most skillful rafters. A calm lake, still waters, offers a respite to all and brings peace of mind to the weary.
Prayer: Eternal God, thank You for still waters that soothe my soul in troubled times .Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:29-30 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
These words of Jesus invited the hearers to enjoy a reprieve from the load they were carrying. The Jews groaned under the weight of their ceremonial laws. The yoke Jesus spoke of was not overbearing; it was not a burden; rather it was a yoke that was easy and a burden that was light.
I hear so much about burnout in the ministry and I wonder how this is possible if we are wearing His yoke. Is it because we are carrying extra baggage that He never intended for us to carry? When I put on His yoke, I find peace, joy and hope. Either His Word is true or it is not!
Prayer: The instructions from Your Word direct me in every area of my life and I thank You for that today, Lord. Thank You for lightening our load. It is not difficult to do Your will. It is easy!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
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“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28 Holy Bible New King James). At the end of a workday, are you too weary to walk to the bus stop? Maybe you have to sit in your vehicle in the parking lot for a few minutes before battling your way home on crowded highways. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, you aren’t exempt from stress. Jesus understands your circumstances. He invites all of us to find rest in Him.
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Prayer: Lord, daily routine pushes me beyond my endurance level. Only in You can I find rest. Amen.
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Devotion by Violet Carr Moore