Resting in His Arms
The background roar from this year’s Super Bowl game flung itself upward from our family room to the loft where clicking computer keys could barely be heard. I endeavored to inscribe words for you to read, while the noise peppered my thoughts and the scent of yummy snacks drew me trekking downstairs occasionally. So I hope you’ll forgive some drifting in my composition here.
Super Bowl is just one of many occasions on our American calendar where we can pause our day-to-day hectic schedules to celebrate. Sometimes we plod through the days checking off our lists. However, some days are filled with pain, grief, hurt, or emptiness that leave us numb.
Where do we look for peace?
Is it in the next occasion that promises a break in our cyclical habits? Or do we turn to the One who offers us joy and rest in each moment of life?
For the past three years, my life has been over-the-top busy. Even during the pandemic, I found a way (or it found me) to make the months pass quickly as they overflowed with fulfilling work. At the end of 2020, I took a brief break. Then I set the next year on fire to continue making progress. By 2022, I jumped in with both feet to finish the project I had begun in the pandemic.
At the beginning of this new year, 2023, I decided to seek the Lord for a word from Him that would show me where He wanted me to focus. Spending time to determine the Lord’s direction in a word or phrase is a common practice among writing friends and was something I had done in the past. This year, I needed direction for my life.
The word, “Rest,” whispered on the threads of my thoughts. Knowing how busy my past years had been, I knew I had to seek the Lord to ensure I was following His direction and that I was not just caving into my tired flesh screaming at me. After praying, it became clear the Lord was inviting me to spend time at His feet and not scurry off to my next project with a quick word thrown heavenward, “Lord, please lead me in this next step.”
My heart skipped beats as I contemplated taking a break from my hectic schedule. Would everything I had worked for just slip through my fingers like sand in an hour glass? How much did I have to release to an unknown future? What could I continue to pursue?
Have you ever felt that hesitancy to cling to what is familiar or hold something close to your heart which you’ve poured yourself into? Hypothetically, it feels akin to my stomach flipping if I stood on the threshold of jumping out of an airplane.
When I wrote this, we were only in the middle of February and the Lord, my body, and life circumstances have confirmed that word. As I flipped through internet sites, books such as Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Growing Slow by Jennifer Dukes Lee drew my attention. If that wasn’t enough confirmation of God’s leading, Our Daily Bread Ministries sent a pamphlet in the mail with it’s monthly devotional titled Sacred Rest: God’s First Gift.
Thank you God, I got Your message. And thank you that your love that made it clear.
Thus my adventure into “Rest” has begun. You will find me with my nose in a book examining the different aspects of rest with my heart at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His words. My discoveries will be appearing here as the year rolls on.
As Lent began last week, it seems appropriate to focus more on resting at our Savior’s feet than continuing my frenzied pace. What are you hearing God calling you to invest yourself in this sacred season? I’d love to hear from you.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Following: Inspire Me Monday, Remember Me Monday, Let’s Have Coffee,
Thank you, Janis, for the usual lovely photography – you are truly gifted. And also for your honesty in everything you write. I should also seek the Lord for a word for this year before another month slides by.
Marcia, thank you for your kind thoughts on this blog post. Resting will be a challenge for me–as you well know. I’m so glad these thoughts inspired you to seek out a word from the Lord for His direction in your life this year. Thank you for stopping by.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
My peace is found in the scriptures as the Holy Spirit whispers His truth and comforting words through them.
As far as a Word from the Lord for this year, “Boldness” seems to be what the Lord has given me. Time is getting short and I need to be bolder in sharing the love of the Father through His Son, Jesus.
Beautiful photos!!
Thank you, Cecelia, for sharing your thoughts and the direction the Lord has given you. May you accomplish the work He has given you. Thank you for visiting here. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Beautiful surroundings
Thank you, Pam. Such a blessing to have you stop by. May you find peace and rest in His arms each day.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
I have been contemplating what comes next as I look ahead to my youngest AZ grandson going to full time Kindy soon. My life has been little boys for almost 9 years! God hasn’t shown me yet but it’s still a few months off. He doesn’t usually give us a lot of notice and I often think He doesn’t tell us because most of the time we’d respond with no no no NO! That’s not what I want! I am praying for me to accept what comes next. For right now, it’s still the little fellows, cooking, Legos and all their other activities.
Thank you for your insights and showing us your process to find what’s next.
I’m so glad you gained some insight from this post, Vicki. A change of direction usually is fraught with indecision and hesitation. I’m sure God has something outstanding planned for you as you move from the enjoyment of teaching your grandsons. Still need a new story on “Woo, Woo.”
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Lovely piece, Janis. I pray for your peace and well being, for health and hope as you listen to and obey God’s direction.
Blessings, Francine
Thank you, Francine! I’m looking forward to seeking God’s direction before jumping into an overwhelming schedule again. But I’m still available for some writing as we discussed. Thank you for stopping by. It was great talking with you the other day.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Janis, this year my word is “Guide” and my desire is that God would lead me in His truth as I read His Word each day. My desire is for greater discernment. It is also funny to me as just this week, I took Growing Slow back off my shelf to revisit 🙂 May the Lord provide rest for you both body and soul as you press into Him. Blessings!
Thank you, Joanne, for visiting and sharing your word of the year. It sounds like the Lord will be granting you wisdom and discernment. As we read through “Growing Slow,” let’s share our insights!
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Janis, thank you for these words. It is hard, at times, to force ourselves to sit at the feet of Jesus. But oh so rewarding when we do. Thank you for the reminder and encouragement!
Oh, Linda, thank you for your encouraging words. Sitting still is something I struggle with frequently. I’d rather be doing something. But I know I can’t grow closer to the Lord unless I carve out quiet time with Him. I’m so grateful you stopped by today.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Janis, my word for this year is “remember.” I’m not sure where it’s going to take me, but I know God will use it. I’ve had some unexpected time to rest lately as I got sick in February and am finally starting to feel like myself again. I’m glad your forays into rest have been mostly though reading so far!
Thank you, Lois, for visiting! I’m so sorry that you have been sick since February. Hoping that you begin to feel better quickly. May the year ahead hold special moments for “Remember…ing” as you seek the Lord’s direction in your “Word for the Year.”
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Oh, my goodness, Janis! We have been in the same place – at His feet. I’m not sure it was so much resting He called me to. It was a, “Stop” – as though everything had to stop because He was calling me to pivot – the convalesce of the broken places was complete He gave me “work” orders. I still have trouble explaining it. The sun is literally shining right now on our little mountain – and that is how my soul felt when He said that. I cannot wait to hear what He shares with you during this time of refreshing, this time at His feet. God’s up to something!
Oh, Maryleigh, I know He is! I just have to be more Martha than Mary~like you said in your post. It’s so much easier for me to “do” rather than to “sit still.” We’ll see what the Lord brings out of this resting time if I can get myself to stop!!!
Thank you for your post and for dropping in for a visit.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
Thank you for your beautiful and life-giving words which are a sweet invitation to rest and be filled with all the fullness of Jesus Christ. The pictures you provided were so heart-warming and added much!
Love & blessings in Jesus!
Thank you, Kathy, for visiting. Your words bless me. I need to unhurry my life, especially now in this Lenten season. I found a small devotional called, “Pauses for Lent” by Trevor Hudson. It reels me back in. Love you my sweet sister, Kathy.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis