Ahhhhh. I take a deep breath in and slowly exhale preparing for a few tranquil moments of meditation. Rest.
Last night a beautiful young friend and I were discussing this very thing. I watched as tears ran down her checks and onto her blouse. She wiped them away with the sleeve of her sweater while saying, almost in a whisper, “I just don’t feel as close to God and I’m not sure how to get back.”
One thing I’ve learned in my years of running is that when I feel distance it is not He who creates it. It is I.
For me, I can’t always reconnect without meeting Him under the circumstances of rest. Being still. Opening my hands to the heavens. “Here I am, Lord. I just want to sit here a while…in your presence…where restoration can be found.”
Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still.” Why is being still so difficult?
I looked into the eyes of this remarkable young woman who, though just out of her teens, has played the role of mother, provider, protector and spiritual leader for her siblings since a very young age and therefore doesn’t know what it feels like or even how to be still.
I encouraged her to open emptied hands to the heavens, fully expectant of the blessings He would flood down, filling not only her hands, but her heart, mind and body. Pour out her cares to the God who formed every detail of her being in the womb of the mother who would leave her soon after. Allow someone else to bear her burden. Even if only for a while. Renouncing the illusion of control.
Surrender, to me, is the epitome of rest.
Do you find time for rest? Is it difficult to be still? Join Lisa-Jo and a community of participants over at Five Minute Friday and tell us your story.
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Even A Girl Like Me 
Beautiful:)!
Thank you 🙂
This was a wonderful example of being still in itself. It just felt very relaxing to read and it brought back to mind the many times I have had to re-learn this seemingly simple lesson. Thank you.
Thank you, Susie!
I appreciate you reading and leaving encouragement.
A wonderful and thoughtful post. Yes…He is always there and it is us that keep Him at a distance.
I have done this so many times in my life. Your words here are a great reminder. I have learned that it is easy to go to Him with thanks…and difficult to give Him my burdens. I recently had such
heartbreak that I wept for weeks…until the day that I dropped to my knees and gave my burden over to The Lord. He is always there. Your kind and loving words about and for your friend…a great example of friendship and fellowship.
Thank you, Victoria.
I am so sorry to hear of your recent heartbreak. I hope things are better now and I pray that all will be well.
Blessings and Light,
Joy
Isn’t it amazing, when we take the time to go to Him, He is right there waiting. We never have
to wonder where He is or if He hears. I love it that He is right there waiting at just the right time.
Thanks, Joy!
Well said, Janie 🙂
I learn the hard way. Many times I just keep going until I get sick and have to stop. I know how important it is for my physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health to stop and rest. Thanks for the reminder.
Girl,
Don’t I know it! I have a long track record of learning the hard way.
It’s great to see your face and hear your words 🙂 I’m trying to get back into the active writing world 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Great thoughts on this word. Yes, it does take surrender, you are so right. Thank you for sharing today!
Thank you for stopping by, Debi!
Happy weekend!
Allow Him to carry our burdens – why is it so hard! I’m learning – and then He sends others alongside who encourage. Growing up with big responsibilities, being the strong one – I know that feeling – where is your person who will let you cry and wrap their arms around you and let you fall apart for a little while – I know that – and He is the only one that allows me to do that (and my husband).
I’m glad you have your husband to lean on. I have found many times that when someone is opening up to me, they continually apologize as if they are doing something wrong. I want to be that person to walk alongside and encourage. I guess I just keep telling them that I am a safe place and they can be vulnerable in my presence. Thank you for commenting. It’s great to hear from someone who knows how my sweet friend is feeling.
Blessings to you!
Like all the other comments before me I love Exodus 14:14 and, in fact, I have been studying the story of the Red Sea crossing for a women’s conference I will be speaking at in May. However, I also love in verse 15 where God tells the children to “go forward”. Reminding me that there is a time to rest and then we are to go forward.
I like that too, Amy!
Thank you for the great reminder!
Joy,
Thank you. I need Jesus fighting for me right now!! I love that verse.
I hope everything is alright, Mark.
Prayers are with you.
Love this, Joy. Exodus 14:14 has been one of the verses I have repeatedly turned to this past year. It’s so true that we can’t have restoration if we don’t make the time to rest. . .
Thanks girl!
It is a staple in my life for sure!
Blessings and Light to you!
Hello! Coming over from Five-Minute Fridays today…”heart, mind and body” is how He made us…of course He will fulfill all those needs if only we stop long enough to receive it…Ex 14:14 will be a timely meditation for me this weekend…thank you for your encouragement, and blessings to you!
Hi Michelle!
I’m so glad you stopped by!
I don’t frequent Exodus, but this has been a verse that has carried me through seemingly immovable obstacles.
Blessings to you!
Joy