Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Rest for the Restless







I am slowly learning to recognize
the signals
my body tries to send out to me.

 These restless nights,
when my soul is so hungry for rest,
Is there a message that I am missing?


Since the RA/Fibromyalgia journey
set in,
I can no longer just push my way through
those signals.
The restless nights will grow longer,
the pain will intensify,
and the fog of the day will 
grow stronger.
Until I finally stop and look
and listen 
(there's that word from last month)
to what God is trying to speak.


This last month of writing was a beautiful
journey into hearing words
and expressing thoughts
that were full of deep surprises.
But it also has taken a toll on my physical strength.


Have you been in that place too?
When you sowed and reaped
and gained a harvest,
but then collapsed at the table
where the food was spread?


So I can hear my Lord whispering,
and see the signs placed before me:
He is calling me to enjoy the harvest,
to slow my thoughts
even as my work is slowed.
 
 
Ephesians 1:18 (NIV) "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people."


He has given me a HOPE to linger in
right here, 
as I allow Him to open my eyes.
The Harvest that He wants 
me to enjoy?
It is the Fruit of His Presence.


We are the glorious inheritance
of our God. 
What an incredible thought,
mind-boggling to me.
But even more mind boggling
is the way that our God
wants us to enjoy Him.

His presence is the Fruit 
that He wants to give to us.
The FUTURE that He
has mapped out for us
is to walk with Him
through every moment.


So I will take JOY
and see with my eyes
and hear with my ears
so that my restless nights
might be filled with the fruit
of the Harvest of God.




Don't forget to leave a comment below
in order to be automatically entered into this week's give-away
for a copy of Cindee Snider Re's book,
Discovering Hope: Beginning the Journey Toward Hope in Chronic Illness  
 I will announce the 2 winners this Sunday, November 6. 



I am linking today with
Suzie Eller's #LiveFreeThursday  


 

4 comments:

  1. Oh I love this thought:
    "The Harvest that He wants
    me to enjoy?
    It is the Fruit of His Presence"
    Such richness to ponder on! I can identify with how some days being drawn into rest can feel less of a privilege and more like a punishment. Our minds whirl crazy and we just want to fly with every thought they present to us. But God... gives us the most amazing restful, joyful and soul needful gift of His glorious presence as we still ourselves enough to wait on Him. And the best thing? It's available 24/7, all of the time, unlimited and unconditional. A mind-boggling thought indeed!
    Bettie, I am praying that your restless nights and pain filled days will "be filled with the fruit of the Harvest of God" and you will rest replete and complete in Him. You deserve no less, sweet friend. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Joy, I am so thankful that we can pray for each other now to find His rest! This is what I want to hold onto also, that He "gives us the most amazing restful, joyful and soul needful gift of His glorious presence as we still ourselves enough to wait on Him." It is so true that we must still those whirling thoughts and wait on Him. May He preserve your time as well, my friend! xoxo

      Delete
  2. I'm sorry the 31 days taxed your energy, Bettie. I hope the restless nights of pain will turn into the enjoyment of His presence. Hang onto that HOPE!
    "He has given me a HOPE to linger in
    right here,
    as I allow Him to open my eyes.
    The Harvest that He wants
    me to enjoy?
    It is the Fruit of His Presence."
    With love and hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Trudy, I am so thankful for all of your encouraging words of Hope that you so willingly share! Isn't our Lord amazing the way that He brings us His gifts as we share them with others? I am trusting that He will restore my soul as I hold onto Him here. He's got me! And I am trying to remember those words of yours too! Love and Hugs to you my friend!

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Popular Posts: