Rest

Each year I choose a word to represent my year. Each year I pray about the word and ask the Lord to make it very clear what He wants that word to be. Each year He gives me a word that makes me question if I heard Him correctly. This year is no exception. My word for 2012 is Rest.


As I talked with the Lord this morning, just to make sure that the sleepless hours of the last few days did not sway my logic, He again made it very clear that I was to make Rest the word for this year. Well, I certainly could use some physical rest right now, but I am quite confident that is not exactly what He is trying to teach me. So I am beginning my year long journey of learning what Rest means.


I have already begun to unwrap the word Sabbath through several books, studies and sermons with my church. I am learning that I should not work in order to rest at the end but that I should learn to serve and be obedient out of the rest that He provides. In that rest I will find Peace. He wants me to rest in His presence. Rest in the shelter of His wings. Rest in the joy of His blessings. Rest in the truth of His word. Rest in the sound of His voice. Rest in the beauty of His creation.


This year is going to be full of all kinds of things. Some of them are planned. Some of them are yet to be seen. Some of them will be huge. Some of them will be little. But, the plans He has for me this year are to prosper me and not to harm me. They are for hope and for my future. I will cry out to Him and I will pray to Him.  As I seek Him, I will find Him because I will seek Him with my whole heart. He will hear me and He will answer me and bring me out of captivity. And, He will give me Rest.


The new year is wide open for new experiences and new lessons and new blessings. Last year is over. It is finished. I am looking toward the new. Waiting expectantly for what it will bring. Fear is crouching in the corner as usual but I am choosing to look up and walk forward. Join me?

Stand in the crossroads and look; 

ask for the ancient paths, 

ask where the good way is, and walk in it, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

Jeremiah 6:16