Scriptures & Devotional

I read an article that spoke to my Spirit. The author of the article shared a passage from one of his favorite books which read, “It’s not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.” These words resonated with me as they did with him. The author of the article went on to share his story informing the readers that he caught the flu and had to “rest” and reflect. This is something many of us, like the author, are not accustomed to doing. However, the “flu,” or I would venture to say God, made him do just that. Rest and reflect. The Psalmist writes: “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5 NIV). True rest is found in our Lord, God the Father.

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We learn more about rest in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” In his rest, the author of the article had time to reflect, and he realized the importance of gratitude. He came to understand the need to be grateful for family, friends, and a job. He wrote, “you probably have all you REALLY need compared to the 7.5 billion people on the planet.” I concur. No matter how dim or bleak your situation looks, if you are a child of God, you have all you need. And, if you go to the source, God, to find rest, you will find it. If we focus on gratitude, being thankful for all things; waking up, sleep, a place to lay your head (our Lord and Savior entered this world without a place to lay His); grateful for oxygen, organs that function, limbs that work, a mind that operates, food, clothing, even mistakes that serve as tutors; grateful for 2nd chances, 3rd chances and 50th chances. If we focus on God and gratitude then depression, doubt, fear, guilt, loneliness, self-pity, shame, and suicidal thoughts will not consume our minds or life.

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So, go to the source, Jesus, not to run from responsibilities, avoid work, or the issues and troubles that are part and parcel of this world. But, go to Jesus that you might find rest in order to meet your challenges and tackle the troubles. In Him you will find strength and be rejuvenated.