FollowBy Jim DeAngelo
Are we resting in God’s presence?
When we were in Southern California hiking in the desert, our destination was a palm oasis. When we arrived, it was a cool and lush area. It relieved the heat and refreshed us from the surrounding arid, dry, parched land; prickly plants; and heat. It reminded us of the palm oasis mentioned in Exodus 15:27, when God gave Israel rest at Elim.
We are busy; our thoughts can become occupied by the next task and driven by our schedules. We worry and fret about tomorrow and the difficulty of getting it all done. Do we have the resources, the money, time, and energy, to meet the daily grind? Jesus says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” The challenge is, are we taking time to rest and rejuvenate in His presence?
When I dedicate time to spend with Jesus in reading Scripture, praying, and meditating on Him, I become refreshed, and daily challenges and problems come into proper perspective. The day isn’t so overwhelming. Sometimes it’s only a few minutes in the morning; when I can, it’s much longer. It centers my life and gives me a changed purpose. It’s not to get through the day, but to live the day through Him.
Are you overwhelmed? Are you fretting about tomorrow, finances, family issues? Are you spending time with Him? Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” I found that daily time spent with Him significantly changed my life. He is faithful; praise God for His provisions.
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