Gazing over the vastness of the ocean and listening to the symphony of the sea, I am reminded of the melody of life. Life must be filled with rest - not simply rest occupied by enjoyable moments of leisure, but true rest to focus fully on our Creator to direct the cadence of our lives. We live in a world where the pursuit of constant motion toward success is valued over stillness for times of reflection.
Embracing rest comes easily when it encompasses times of leisure. We think rest is found during a picture worthy vacation, or laughter-filled fellowship, or through an enjoyable pursuit of a hobby. Yes, these moments of rest are special and make life memorable; but soul transformative rest is found as we mute our hearts to the message of this world and seek fully the gentle words of our Lord. True rest is fortified within our souls as we pursue stillness in God’s presence to allow Him to compose a magnificent symphony in our lives.
God calls us to cease and pursue stillness in His presence much like the musical rests intertwined in the melody of music. On sheet music, rests are necessary for the moments when there is a pause and no music is played. The composer of our lives, our loving God, orchestrates our life’s composition with unwavering precision. He knows the next notes as we wait with bated breath for the crescendo. With confidence, music in our lives is played once again as if no pause were ever there.
How do these moments of rest look in our lives? Many times, they are preceded by unwelcome events that weave their way into our lives such as: a devasting illness, a heart-wrenching divorce, or utter disappointment in our plans. These moments of life change the trajectory of who we are; yet, it is in these crossroads of life that God lovingly says, “My dear child, rest in me, for I know the plans I have for you.”
Moments of solitude and reflection are necessary to build resiliency in your character and for you to be a beacon of hope for others. Music will play again … and it will be profoundly beautiful set to the backdrop of the harmony of the heavens. Trust the Lord with the magnificent melody of your life and embrace the moments of rest. ~
By: Jenny Cox
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