“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)
I personally need time away from the constant pressures of daily life. I must deliberately set my mind on the things of God, not the things of the world.
I don’t have to go up a mountain to do so. Daily, I have to withdraw from the stresses of my world and spend time in the comforting, refreshing presence of my Father. It is there, in prayer and in His Word, where I can rest and prepare myself for the tasks of my day.
Are you tired and frustrated with the pressures of life? Daily spend time in the presence of your Father.
Prayer: Father I desire to spend time with You and Your Word. Refresh me today and every day during the coming year. May I not become so busy that I ignore the quiet time needed daily. Amen.
(taken from Voices of the Faithful compiled by Kim P. Davis, page 424)
Today I am joining ā¦ Open Sunday Thoughts and Spiritual Sundays and Scripture & a Snapshot .
We think of it as duty, or a discipline, but why does the word “refresh” not come to mind until I read this reminder from you?
Thank you, Joanne, for lending your lovely perspective on this Sunday morning.
Blessings to you.
Michele, the words of this Scripture and the quote shared became such a reality to me this past week as my house was filled with family for days. I so looked forward to the few minutes of quiet each morning and found it kept me focused and joy-filled. I needed the reminder š He truly does refresh us as we spend time with Him. May I remember this throughout the coming year!
I needed this. Thanks for sharing.
Refresh! Yes, that’s the word! Our day is always better after beginning it with the Lord in His Word.
I have been seeing this word “refresh” and I love it and the meaning. Yes!!
I absolutely HAVE to get away from the computer, from my phone, from anything that makes sound of any kind and pray and read my Bible in order to keep sane these days. I think it is harder to find that space and peace during this time in the cold when you feel trapped and the kids are out of school and everyone is crazier and testier. But it is MORE necessary now.
Jamie, it is way harder when we are stuck in the house. I end up waking earlier or staying up later. And that is out of necessity. Only way for us all to survive š
Making time to withdraw from the noise of life and to rest in God’s presence is so important. Definitely something I want to be more intentional about doing.
Joanne I agree with you we don’t have to get away to spend time with HIM. I love the wee hours of the morning and my pjs studying and praying. I can also worship and praise Him while cleaning.
When I throw a little music on, cooking and cleaning can become such precious times. And driving in my car … my car becomes a sanctuary š
Joanne,
Happy New Year!! It’s been quite the haul coming down the home stretch at the end of the year with the Foundation. Oh how I need to pull myself away and be refreshed. Thank you for this beautiful invitation!! I am desperately in need of His presence!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Dearest Bev,
You have been so heavy on my heart and so I have been praying for you, off and on during the last few weeks. The warfare for us all serving in missions and non-profits is real and strong. Especially for those of you at the top. May the Lord strengthen you and encourage you and keep you.
“But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall, or like the relentless heat of the desert. BUT YOU silence the roar of foreign nations. As the shade of a cloud cools the relentless heat, so the boastful songs of ruthless people are stilled. In Jerusalem, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world.” (Isaiah 25:4-6a, NLT)
In His Love,
Joanne xo