“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10-12)
Lately, I need to rest a lot. My body tires quickly. My ability to stand for any period of time is diminishing. I think the words most heard by my family are, “I need to go rest.”
Back when I was finishing my education, working, and raising my children and before the days of escalating challenges, I often longed for rest. Now even resting seems like a chore to me as I find myself needing more and more hours of resting.
I realize I need a different kind of rest. I am learning that I need to rest in God’s Word. I need to rest in His promises. I have to admit I don’t understand the purpose for all the things that have happened health-wise in our family, yet I am learning that wondering and worrying about it doesn’t help or change a thing.
God tells us that His purposes will be achieved and His desires will be accomplished. If He has spoken it, it WILL happen. That is something I can depend on completely – something I can rest in with confidence.
It’s easy to worry about where things are headed and what will happen next. I don’t rest easy when I allow my mind to dwell on those things. But when I go to God’s word and see all He has promised to those who believe his Word, I realize that I can rest safely and securely in the knowledge that, for this moment in time, things are just as they should be.
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.” (Psalm 62:5)
Prayer: Father, Thank you that even in the restless times, the painful times, the difficult times, we can come to You and find the rest that we can find nowhere else. Amen.
About the Author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Ankylosing Spondylitis, Porphyria, Celiac Sprue, and Atrial Fibrillation to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic health challenges. She can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
Deni ~ Thank you for sharing your insightful thoughts and reminding me how futiley I worry/wear myself out to no avail. Peace comes from my heavenly father who lovingly desires me to submit, quiet myself before him & allow his spirit to fill me in his time, his way.
Jan
Jan, How true it is that peace comes from our heavenly father. It may seem odd that even in rest we need to quiet ourselves, and submit to His will for us. Thank you so much for adding your lovely words!
In Him,
deni
deni,
Thanks for this reminder of where our true rest comes from. I love the idea that “for this moment in time, things are just as they should be” – we can rest in that.
God bless,
Fiona
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