“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”” Exodus 33:14 NIV

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NIV

Both God (in the Old Testament verse from Exodus) and Jesus (in the New Testament verse from Matthew) invite us to be in Their presence and They will give us rest. Rest is important. Even God rested after He had created the world and everything in it. God commanded us to rest one day each week, the Sabbath, which for us is Sunday, church day.

Everyone seems busy these days, even kids! There’s school and homework, chores, phones chiming, friends calling, sports practices, music or dance or other lessons, the list just goes on. We each need to try to take a little time, some quiet time each day, to spend with the Lord and rest. Resting with the Lord renews our strength, refreshes our minds, and calms our souls. Spending time and resting in the presence of the Lord also draws us closer to Him.

Resting with the Lord

Find a place to be alone, no people, no noise, no phone.

Ask Jesus to come near, be still and wait without fear.

Accept His everlasting love, as gentle as a mourning dove.

Breathe in His peace, feel the calm and relaxing increase.

Rest your body, mind and soul, one with Jesus, feeling whole.

Strength and energy renewed, stress and busyness subdued.

Appreciate this time of rest, thankful to be quietly blessed.

This week, when things get busy and you are stressed, try to stop and rest with the Lord. Invite Him in and focus on His love and peace and presence. Embrace the rest only He can give. Talk to your parents. Maybe you can all have a bit of time to relax and rest in the Lord.

Blessings and rest in the presence of the Lord!