Hi there! I have taken a hiatus from blogging, but I am happy to get back into posting what I have been writing. During my break, I had time to think about what it means to refocus and how to find rest when life gets chaotic. Finding rest may look different for each woman or even during certain seasons of life.
It may be a getaway trip, a long nap, getting lost in a book or relaxing outside. Whatever the case, the need for rest or even a change in pace is needed in any season of life. It is great to look forward with anticipation of escaping into nature to enjoy a camping trip. Or to retreat to the beach to listen to the waves lull you into an afternoon nap. But what happens when those times of renewal are over or simply out of reach?
Eternal Life
Looking to God in his word is a sure way to experience true rest. You can find one of my favorite verses in the Bible tucked in the Great Commandment.
And he said to them, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38
It can be difficult to love someone that you do not know. Yet, God allows us to know him through his written word. He reveals himself throughout the pages of scripture that exclaim who he is. Jesus said that to have eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ himself[1]. This is because knowing God comes through faith in Christ. Then there is the enjoyment of a relationship with God and receiving the spiritually abundant life that Jesus spoke of[2]. A life full of peace, joy, and satisfaction in Christ, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Heart Renewed
It can be a challenge to remain disciplined in finding time to draw near to God in his word. However, gaining contentment by investing time in the presence of God is time well spent! Prayerfully seeking renewal from God, the only one who can speak to our souls deepest needs. As we draw near, I pray that love and devotion be the words that characterize our relationship with God and that his word would be a lamp unto our feet and light to our path[3].
Crossway sent me a copy of the Art Journaling edition of the ESV Illuminated Bible. This bible is setup similar to the layout of a novel with space in the margins to add notes or illustrations. The detailed gold artwork reminds me of the beauty within the words the pages contain. Whether using this bible or another, let’s allow God to transform our hearts by the renewing of our minds with scripture.
https://www.crossway.org/bibles/esv-illuminated-bible-art-journaling-edition-case/
[1]John 17:3
[2]John 10:10
[3]Psalm 119:105
