Resting with God

When was the last time you had some alone time with your loved ones? A time when you could deeply appreciate each other’s presence, share a time of mutual understanding, listen to each other’s concerns, rejoice in each other’s accomplishments? Or just have precious time to sit quietly together, no words spoken, feeling the love all around you?
When was the last time you had some alone time with God?
This is the most vital relationship that we can have on this Earth, and it also needs to be nurtured, so that it can deepen and grow. It’s a time for rest, renewal, and re-alignment. When we focus purely on being present and open to the voice of God, we see and hear more clearly our path and our purpose, according to His Will. It is a reassurance of His deep and abiding love for us. It is a time to grow in wisdom. It is a time of recreation or, rather, re-creation; creating ourselves anew in His image, as He wishes us to be.
During the hustle and bustle of daily life, it is all too easy to lose the sound of His guiding voice, yet it is always there. The more you practise listening, the easier it becomes to hear Him over any distractions, be they external, or from within our minds. Taking time to regularly quieten our surroundings and internal voices, putting aside our doubts and troubles and fears, strengthens this ability to “tune in” to God’s presence, whenever we need to.
Jesus Himself spent much of His life on Earth alone with God, in prayer. As the Son of Man, he was not immune to sadness, grief, temptation, or doubt. As the Son of God, He knew the importance of rest, reflection, and renewal. Building a time of daily quiet into your life will reap rewards. Even God rested after the labour of Creation. We need to follow this example!

Take a moment to rest now, and use the words of Psalm 23 to guide your prayers for renewal:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Lord, help me to feel your presence, so that I feel safe and cared for.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.

Lord, lay by my side, and bring me peace.

He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Help me to be obedient to Your Will and to follow Your chosen path for me.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will feel no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and staff, they comfort me.

Mighty God, You are the only One with the power to triumph over suffering and death.
Hold my hand please, and comfort me in times of trouble.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Help me to feel Your constant protection. Strengthen me with your blessings, Lord.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

Your love for me here on Earth is magnificent.
I cannot imagine how much more glorious it will be in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thank You, dear Lord, my Loving Shepherd. Amen.