SOAP: Need some rest?

Well, hello! Thanks for swinging by.

Today I’m back on SOAP, with the intent to post daily at least through January 31. Wanna join me?

Here we go:

Scripture:

Come to Me,

all who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.

–Matthew 11:28

Observation:

If you are tired, overburdened, or worn out, reach out to Him for true rest and refreshment.

Application:

What an appropriate start for me.

I am NOT a good relaxer. To be honest, this verse has puzzled me for years. How can Jesus or our Father really give me rest? They/ He isn’t going to magically do my work for me.  And I cannot rest until the work is done and, well, it is NEVER done. There is always more. So how will this work?

I’ve been struggling with this for, honestly, as long as I remember reading the verse, so we might be talking about junior high, here.

Today, though, I think I might have an idea. And this is why I stopped working on the project I was doing, got out my markers and an index card and then began this post.

I need to seek Him more fervently, more frequently, more regularly. And then, maybe I will be at more peace with what needs to get done– and also see what should drop.

I’ve let my regular time with Him slip in my life as other things have ramped up and become more stressful.

So which was first– did the stress level rise first or did I drop my regular reflection and listening time first? I’m not sure.

But I bet adding it back in will hep me calm down.

I will pause. I will go to Him. I will ask His guidance regularly, not just in bits of time here and there.

And I bet He will give me wisdom and rest.

Prayer:

Father God,

I am weary. I am burdened. Parenting is a hard gig. Running a tech startup is a hard gig. Both of those are much harder than I ever expected. Definitely worthy pursuits and rewarding, but tough stuff!

I am thankful  for the partner you have given me in my husband. He is one great guy and, quite frankly, I’d be toast without him. I really appreciate you putting us together. He’s awesome.

But I need you, too. YOU are the one who can offer me true rest. You are the one who can show me my path. You are the one who knows what lies ahead and even knew it long, long ago.

Please, Father, guide me as I seek you. Guide me in following through on this commitment to seek you daily once again, and please, Lord, help me to hear you and follow you as we spend time together. That is where I will gain true refreshment… and I need it!

You do know what is best. And you will give me rest– if only I take the time to stop, listen and follow.

I love you, Lord.

Thank you.

A few things to think about…

What is stressing you out these days?

Do you need rest, in some way?

Have you ever had regular quiet time with God?

How did it impact you?

Do yo think a regular meditation time with Him could  help this time?

Are you wiling to give it a shot?

Join me…

I plan to post one verse daily here on MomsToolbox at a minimum through January 31. I’d love for you to join me… and I’d love to see how the verses strike you, too.  So please do let me know you’re with me (and what you hear, if you’re feeling brave.) Thanks!

About that index card…

You might have noticed my lovely (ha!) artwork up top.

This time I’ll be writing each verse of the day on an index card to carry and save for later. I’d like to encourage you to do the same.

I find that just writing the Word helps me to slow down and think about it a bit more. Writing it on an index card means I can stick it on my mirror, on my desk or carry it around with me for the day and then drop it in a box to flip through later. I’m not getting fancy here– just some markers, index cards and a box. Go as creative as you want or keep it as simple as you want. The purpose is to help you hear Him, so do what suits you.