by Brenda Jank
Collectively and personally, Covid-19 is draining our buckets at a rate few are equipped to replenish.
More than once God reminds us that his “arm is not too short” – that he is able.
My dear friends, God’s arm is strong and his bucket is full, overflowing, and ready to refill our emptiness and satisfy our weary souls.
How does God accomplish this mighty, transformative work? He invites us to rest in him.
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Psalm 91 NIV
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Rest is near and dear to the heart of God, yet glaringly absent from our lives.
We know how to run hard.
We don’t know how to rest well.
Bottom line – rest is not a reward.
You can’t earn it.
You don’t deserve it.
It is not a sign of weakness or inability. Rest is a matter of obedience, stewardship and delight.
It is a priority (a call to sanity) that is too important to neglect.
Why?
Rest equips us to the run the race in a power not our own.It is time for God’s people to engage – guilt-free.
Will you join us on this journey to revolutionize the race we are running and the rest we are meant to enjoy?
We are a group – 1,700 people strong, that gathers around the theme, “Run hard. Rest well.”
It is a journey into the heart of God that comes to us through an on-going exploration of four biblical rhythms that revive, replenish, and restore: Sabbath Keeping, Sleep (and other simple stress-reducers), Stillness – personal prayer, and Solitude – personal retreat.
It is an expedition that challenges us at every turn.
It convicts us in deep, tender places.
It alters our priorities and plans. It is not for the faint of heart.
It is adventure at its best – as we learn to run the race in a power not our own.
Note: This post is part of our original series on rest. We are re-posting some of our favorite articles because we believe they are just as important today as ever. We hope to encourage and inspire you and those you love and lead to REST WELL through this time of Covid-19 crisis, comeback, and recovery. Onward!
- Would you like to read the next post in this series? Click here.
- Feel free to pass these on to others via email or through Facebook.
Good Morning, Brenda,
I was edified reading your morning RHRW devotion.
Truly you were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
No Scripture seems more relevant these days than Psalm 91 and after that Psalm 46, and the battle hymn coming from the Reformation at a time of European epidemic.in “A Mighty Fortress”.
Ours is an awesome God! My foot’s swelling is going down and I am pain free there again.
My upper denture is doing its job, if only the cheek and lip keep out of the way.
Today is brother Roland’s 100th Birthday ! ! ! Check out the pictures on face book.
Am attaching my latest writing, tweaking it early this morning. What do you think?
Pop
Pop,
Hard Happens.
Hope Heals.
We find our rest in God alone.
May we cheer each other on to quiet places, green pastures, and the only water that truly refreshes.
I love you!
Thank God for all He is up to!
Brenda.
*Brenda Jank* Executive Director 260-239-1297 http://www.runhardrestwell.org
Champion Rest. Equip Leaders. Change Culture.
Sign up for *A Rest that Works* seminar or retreat
I can’t go on a retreat. I can’t go outside much. Walking and stairs are prohibitive for these luxuries. But, here, in my room, I can get still. I can get into the Word. I can listen to the Lord speak through scripture, and when I fall asleep during my time with God, I don’t feel guilty. I feel like the arms of Jesus have opened up to me, inviting me in to be restored. I need this rest, probably more than anyone. So, the clothes remain unfolded for now. The 2019 receipts have not been pulled from my drawer. And the Lord says “Come! And I do. Thank you for these reminders that we are more than the things we do.
Thank you, Betty, for the living testimony and commitment of one who sits at Jesus’ feet … and has been forever changed!
*Brenda Jank* Executive Director 260-239-1297 http://www.runhardrestwell.org
Champion Rest. Equip Leaders. Change Culture.
Sign up for *A Rest that Works* seminar or retreat