At the beginning of November, I took a much-needed break from technology. For a few days, I fasted from using my cell phone—that meant no calling or texting family or friends. It was a “solitary confinement” specifically and lovingly planned by the hand of God through a ministry called Soul Rest.
Rest is a high priority with God. He rested after the six days of creation; on the seventh day, “God had finished all the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work,” Genesis 2:2. God has made us to function best with adequate amounts of rest for our body, mind, and soul. God’s plan for me at Soul Rest was to hold still long enough for Him to love me.
I had come with anxious questions, an over-thinking mind, and an absence of inner peace. At Soul Rest, I had permission to sit and read, worship, listen, wait, and focus on God—what amazing remedy. Within a few hours it didn’t matter whether or not I received answers to my questions. I had gotten back to basics: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,'” Matthew 22:37.
Everything goes back to loving and worshipping Jesus. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you,” Isaiah 26:3. It seems so simple, doesn’t it? Love God. Worship God. For many of us, we must give ourselves permission to turn off our phones and computers. It’s ok to stop. This Christmas season, won’t you give yourself and Jesus a gift? Instead of spending money on people who don’t need anything, give the gift of time. Spend extra time with others and with God.
“Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10.
Thank you for taking time to read this update. Please let me know if there is anything I can pray about for you. Specifically, you who are grieving, I know the holidays are difficult, I am praying for you. If you would like to hear my recent thoughts on how I am managing my grief through the holidays, check out my recent blog posts.
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This post speaks to me volumes! I also need this quiet time with The Lord. Please help me pray that God would increase my listening when He is speaking to me. That I would be more sensitive to His voice and guidance.
Thank you