God has been showing me how even though I say I trust Him in everything, and for the bigger things in life perhaps I do, that in the everyday of life I have a tendency to think, plan and sometimes feel anxious.
Last week I had a big event coming up. Having recently been reunited with my birth mother, both she and my half brother and wife were coming to stay for the first time. I wasn’t feeling well and knowing I had a lot to do in preparation, I was anxious that I wouldn’t be able to do it all and something would go wrong. I wanted their visit to be the best it could be. I had lots of meals to cook, beds to make up and the house to get ready as well as other weekly commitments to fit in and because I was feeling a bit ill, it all seemed like a mountain in front of me. Honestly? My prayers were more anxious thoughts than requests, yet in His kindness God answered them and said, “You know I know all that is planned and all that will happen and so why are you worrying? If you trust me it will all be ok” These words sound familiar don’t they? Jesus sometimes had to rebuke his disciples for lack of faith but when they were caught in the storm, He came towards them and said, “Take heart it is I” As I heard my Father’s words I immediately felt His peace and rest and knew it would be ok. Over the next couple of days it was as though I had a download of supernatural energy to do everything I needed to do. In fact at the end of each day I had more energy than I usually have! By the end of the week I was so grateful for God’s provision but even more for the inner peace and rest I felt every time I reminded myself of His words to me.
Its so humbling how the Father always waits for us to come to him and when we do we discover this is the place we were always meant to live from. He wants us to do everything from a place of rest. The Message version of Jesus words in Matthew 11:28-30 express it so well, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
When my Father speaks His words draw me close and I feel peaceful. His words are always strong and yet gentle. His presence is always reassuring and never accusing. To hear Him whisper we have to lean in and there like a weaned child we find true rest and contentment.
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