My grandson David on the beach in winter when he was a child.

“Find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalms 62:5

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

“God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

Do you ever feel guilty if you sit down for a minute to rest? Do you think of all the chores you have to do, the errands you need to run, the phone calls you need to return, the committee meetings you need to attend? And, of course, for me and my fellow authors, the pages you need to write? 

Children know how to relax. Just as my grandson David sprawled on the sand with his face to the sun, totally at peace with himself and the world, we should all take the time to rest and simply be. To let peace seep back into our souls. To shut out the noise of television and the chatter on social media. To let the telephone ring unless it’s family who might be calling about an emergency. To listen to music instead of the racket inside our heads. To learn to say no when our schedule is jam-packed and one more thing will put us into a state of constant frantic activity.

“On my bed I remember you. I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wing.” Psalms 63:6-7

 The Psalmist even gives us guidelines for a peaceful sleep at night. Sometimes it takes discipline for us to shut off the endless to-do list in our heads and climb into bed for a good night’s rest instead of staying up late to do just one more chore or go on the outing we planned but wish we hadn’t because we just don’t have the energy. 

Resting is not selfish. The Bible tells us so. It’s not lazy. It’s necessary to replenish our energy and to give us quiet time where we can rest in the shadow of God’s wing and be grateful. 

God is good! 

Peggy