Isaiah 30:15 convicts me, ” This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, say: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”
Pain has had me in its grips for the past few days. I cannot concentrate so I am watching some old TV Land Andy Griffith shows. Today’s episode reminded me of this verse.
A traveling pastor comes thru town and speaks on slowing down and taking it easy. “Why are we always in a hurry?” he asks.
We are living in a day of technology that was supposed to offer us more free time, and instead, it seems to keep us busier than ever. We are never without a phone that dings every few seconds to tell us of incoming emails and Facebook posts. We sit at tables in restaurants with family, everyone having their own conversation on their phones, not with each other.
We can’t even watch television without the interruption it offers, announcing incoming phone calls.
Being a multitasker myself (or perhaps it is A.D.D. or Type A personality or just I can’t focus on one thing) I find that I don’t do just one thing. If I have a knit or crochet project in my hands, I have headphones on listening to a book, or the television entertaining me. Even when I sleep my mind replays the events of the day and the list of items that remained undone that day.
I find my biggest problem in doing one thing is during Bible Study time. If I use my laptop to study I find it easy to get distracted by notifications of messages and the temptation to see what is going on with family and friends on Facebook. When I use my printed Bibles I look around and feel I am neglecting duties around the house.
It takes determination to set these things aside and focus totally on the Lord. Just like choosing to follow Him and choosing to knit or crochet, I must choose to rest. Perhaps if I focus on these verses I can bring my active mind into one accord with Him.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. Psalm 116:7.
Matthew 11:28: Come to me and I will give you rest.
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.“ Psalm 116:7
“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28 NLT).
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul to rest in thee. Give me comfort, give me peace, in your arms Lords, I will sleep.
What do you do to clear your mind and find rest?