Resting in the Lord

As the golden rays of the summer sunset take their final bow, it is as if nature marks the occasion as a reminder for stillness and rest. Collectively, though, as a culture, we have become a generation that is restless in rest. The constant pursuit toward an upward ascent to do more, be more, and know more has crippled our minds with the conclusion that moments of rest and solitude are of futile uselessness.

We equate stillness and solitude with a lackluster life void of tenacity and fortitude. Biblical history, though, tells us otherwise.

In moments of solitude, spiritual giants arose from the resolute focus on our Lord. God instructed Moses in the pivotal time as he was leading the Children of Israel to the Promised Land, “Be ready in the morning, and come up…present thyself to me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee.” (Exodus 34:2-3).

Jesus, Himself – even as God in the flesh - sought in solitude time alone with the Heavenly Father. We read in scripture the words, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35).

To be alone with God cannot be overemphasized. In solitude, the mysterious workings of our Lord marvelously tone spiritual muscles chiseled with precision to produce a faith that is bold and believing for the impossible. Under an evening’s star laden sky, evade the clinging clamor of this world’s distraction and set your vision focused on the purposes in the heavenly realms through steadfast prayer. As we work out of the sight of man, on our knees in prayer – we find restorative rest and are met with mighty transformative purpose through communion with our Lord.

Resting in solitude with Christ allows the fruit of the Spirit to blossom in the shade of sorrow, raindrops of weariness, and through the winding winds of refinement. As we rest in God, the joys of life and personal and professional seasons of success are beautifully tempered with humility and grace as a fragrant reminder to bestow love lavishly and offer the bounty of our blessings to our fellow man.

The mighty heroes of our faith who have gone before us, stand as a testament to the grand purposes that God has for His believers. Rest in the presence of our Lord. Tarry longer in His faithful promises. Pray prevailingly in His sweet stillness, knowing that our God is mightily at work – far beyond all one could hope for, or ever imagine. ~

By: Jenny Cox