Listening and Rest

Lately, I've begun a habit of stilling myself, usually outside on my porch and simply saying "God, I'm listening." I quiet my mind by meditating on nature and simply listen for anything God wants to say.

Yesterday, as I sat in a church prayer garden, I did the same. I noticed a wasp buzzing among the brush behind. I thought to myself, "Lord, is it looking for a place of rest, or is it simply buzzing around to busy itself." Only moments later it struck me as a profound statement.

I wonder how many times in this season of rest, physically and spiritually, that I have simply striven to find something to distract me. I wonder how many times I have looked for something to fill my life merely to busy myself. God calls us to rest and that requires physical and spiritual changes in our lives to make it necessary.

I resolved, as I felt so by the Lord, to simply read the Word. I felt God was saying I needed a fresh intake of His Word. I agreed to read the Word, and without coming to Him with any desire to take away. In other words, I was not to read with the plan in mind of writing on my blog or sharing some deep insight. I was simply to read and enjoy getting to know Him.

In this season of my life, I desire to know Him as husband and friend. The more I listen and seek true rest, I realize it is petty to seek someone else to fill the void in my life. Christ is all I need. I may know that in my mind, but my heart strives against it. In return, I am his wife and friend. Imagine that, being married to the king and friends with God.

I seek such a place of rest, where I never doubt provision or help with my hurts, habits and hang-ups. I seek His yoke upon me so that it will be light and easy to bear.