I wrote this Saturday and couldn’t believe what Jon preached Sunday morning.  God is so good.  

 

In the past weeks of sheltering in place I found myself spending more time with God, working on projects that were started five years ago, and finishing one very special project. I refinished a 100 year old desk and started putting an office together for myself.  I have enjoyed what this space has become for me, and I've learned I'm much more of an introvert than I thought. So as I start to think about going back to “normal” I ask myself, “What are the things in this time that have changed that I want to hang on to?”  My answer is, Im ready to stop ignoring what my soul needs, to rest and be restored.  In this time I have had time to really sit with the Lord in a way I never have before.  I believe God has given us all a gift in this time to pause and find some rest. A gift I didn’t know I wanted or needed.  I have also found that I want to emerge into a new way of life.  A way of life that leads me to God so that I can serve the church, my family and others better.

We will have a choice as we step back into “normal” life. What do I want my day to look like in the future?  What does God want?  Do you ever think that maybe God slowed us down for a reason?   I believe I had forgotten how to come to Him. I also believe I am coming to a crossroads, I can choose to be intentional with God or I can go back to how it was before.  I want to be able to hold on to the practices I have started in this time that have allowed Him to restore my soul and lead me into things that He put on my heart years ago.

 I challenge you in this time that you have left to come and sit with the Lord and allow Him to fill you with His love as you abide in Him. Explore with Him what he has for you as you emerge from this time of sheltering in place.  Allow Him to restore your soul.  I love the picture of this in Psalm 23:1-3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Allow Him to restore your soul to what He intended it to be.

In closing I long for the day I can hug my grand babies again.  There are things we want back so desperately but again what are the things that we need to let go of?  What will you let go of to honor Him who is your Shepherd?  So that He can give us rest and restore us to what He intended for us. I will continue to set aside time to grow and heal to become who God created me to be. And now I’m reminded of Matthew 11:28-30,  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” When we come to Him He gives us the rest as a gift just like the gift of Salvation. Because we believe, follow His commandments to love Him, love others and Abide in Him.  He in return will give us rest and restore us to where we need to be.

 I leave you with the blessing of Aaron.

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;  the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.  "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them." [Num 6:24-27 ESV]

– Kim Thompson