Thursday, August 25, 2011

Rest and Refresh

This morning after my quiet time was over and I had moved on for the day, I felt impressed to read Psalm 23.  This chapter always speaks volumes to me so I wanted to share it with you.  I know you know this chapter.  Chances are you can recite it from memory.  But keep reading.  Read it out loud.  Soak it in. 

"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever." Psalm 23

The part that stuck out to me today was verse two.  "He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters."  If that isn't God telling us to rest, what is?  In this fast paced world we live in today, we are constantly moving, constantly on the run.  I have a friend who has such a busy schedule between her home, husband and three children.  Just listening to her wears me out!

We need to find a time of rest, a time to refresh in the presence of God.  I have my quiet time in the morning, and then my day starts and is very busy until bed time.  But I am find more and more lately, that I want more time to refresh and worship Him.  I want to sit in nature and soak in His presence.  I want to sing praises to Him.  I have even had a second quiet time before bed.  I just want, no, desperately need more of Him.  I need to rest and be refreshed in a way only He can do. 

Friends, I encourage you, if you spend twenty minutes a day with God, today try an additional twenty minutes before bed.  If you spend an hour, try another hour later on.  The day is rushed, life can stress you, so rest and refresh in Him. 

Sweet Blessings~

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13 comments:

  1. Amen sister, I'm finding the quiet time I get is no where near long enough I NEED more of God through-out my day. I read more in the evenings or afternoons as well.

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  2. I believe God wants us to be still, because it's in the stillness that we KNOW that He is God. I've been feeling His draw to just spend more time with Him too.

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  3. Hi Jenifer - the days I do start the day with a quiet time, I always seem to cope better. More often though I have a quiet time at the end of the day and then you just don't concentrate as much. It is so true though that the more time you spend in the word, the more time you desire to spend with God. Psalm 23 is always, always good to read
    God bless
    Tracy

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  4. I want to soak Him up as much as I can...I don't want to meet my bridegroom face to face and not really know Him...

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  5. I ache to constantly be in his presence. Whether it's by singing a praise song, reading the Word,constant prayer, or reflecting on his goodness and mercy; nothing beats being with my Father! Thank you for the encouragement and the challenge!

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  6. sometimes the best thoughts and inspiration comes when all is still come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com

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  7. Amen Jenifer. The more time I spend in His Presence, the more my heart remains open the rest of the day.

    Have a Blessed Day!

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  8. Wonderful words of wisdom today, my sweet friend.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  9. Great posting. I will do that: 20 minutes extra.

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  10. I am not sure why we resist rest. I never regret spending time with Him but will often forget it's the ONE thing I need to refresh my soul. Thanks, Jenifer.

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  11. AMEN!!! Time without God stands still. Time with God brings direction, peace and joy.

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  12. It is so important to rest. And He does refresh our souls as well as our bodies! makes us ready to face the world.

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  13. Letting my hubby come at the end of a long day to a home of peace has always been my goal. I bit of that quiet in the midst of the storm. Blessings, Debbie

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