Rest Where You Are...

"When spurred by tasks unceasing or undone

You would seek rest afar

And cannot, through the rest be fairly won,

Rest where you Are.

Not in event, restriction, or release

In journeys near or far,

But in the heart lies restlessness or peace

Rest where you are."

                           Charles Poole Cleaves

Commentary:

Reformation leader Martin Luther was a prayer warrior.  He was known to have said he had so much to do that day, he must get up four hours early and pray.  In our topsy-turfy world today, this seems almost impossible.  We live in the day when we complain about delays in microwave warming.  An often heard quote today is "You snooze...You lose".

How many times have projects or major undertakings failed due to a lack of planning and preparation.

For Christians that preparation requires prayer and time with God and in His Word.

I am the world's worst for reading directions when assembling anything. My wife always takes time to see if all the parts are included and reads the directions thoroughly.  Needless to say, her success rate puts mine to shame.  Our storage house can attest to such put aside failures.  

So what is the point?  Living a peaceful life and spending time in restful contemplation is a must to rekindle the spirit's flame and to refuel the body.  God's "parts list" includes our praise, thanksgiving, petitions, and intercession.  His directions are not hidden. They are bound and ready for our  perusal...our faithful study.

So when tasks are waiting and a bit overwhelming, rest in His presence and approach the day not only with energy but with gladness. Hide His Word in your heart that You may not sin against Him. Personal initiative is no substitute for reliance upon God (cf. James 4:13-17).

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).