Rest in Hope

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NIV)

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV)

My soul quietly waits for the true God alone because I hope only in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, VOICE)

God is the great provider of rest. He comes in the quiet moments we sit before Him and covers us with His peace. His rest looks different for everyone, and often is found in sweet simplicity. Saturday, my final meeting for high school gymnastics this year took place as we held our end-of-the-season banquet. It ended up being on the small side, but it was a sweet, calm time of coming together. No stress, no pressure, just enjoyable time together. Yesterday, as I was in the media area for church both prior to, and throughout both services, there was an extra flooding of peace as the sounds of worship soothed my soul. After church there was a perfect balance between getting things done to prepare for the week, and time spent loving on our dogs. God’s rest can be found wherever we are and in the midst of whatever we are doing, if only we quiet our hearts to hear from Him. May we slow down and seek Him anew each day and recognize the rest that He who is our hope, provides.

My soul finds true rest,

When I slow my mind;

Choose focus on Him,

In whom hope I find.

For He is the peace,

That brings forth the calm;

No matter what comes,

He’s the soothing balm.

Peace that is present,

Hope that is assured;

Rest when we’re weary,

His love is made clear.

Ever choose seek Him,

For He is our rest;

He knows and loves us,

And gives us His best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are where we find rest and hope and peace, no matter what surrounds us. Thank You that You are the calm in our storms and the peace in our chaos. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to turn to You, for You are faithful forever. Teach us to trust and rely on You to provide the rest we need and the hope that holds our heart in a space of contentment. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for being our hope and our space of real rest in all things and at all times. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

Rest and Be Refreshed

Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5, HCSB)

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV)

My soul quietly waits in the True God alone because I hope only in Him. – (Psalm 62:5, VOICE)

This is a great reminder to continue to prioritize my time during summer break. Rest is not simply a stopping of doing, but rather is an intentional turn to God to be our peace and our hope. He provides rest where we need it most, and is where our hope is found. There is a quiet waiting in the seeking of our Savior. In the silent stillness, we are reminded of Who our hope is, and peace that surpasses our understanding grants us rest. May we ever turn to the Lord to provide rest and hope, for He is the source of each.

I trust in the Lord,

My sweet space of rest;

He grants us His hope,

And loves us the best.

In Him, there is peace,

Comfort and great calm;

There’s healing in hope,

His love’s soothing balm.

So turn to the Lord,

Seek Him for true rest;

Hope everlasting,

How life is lived best.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can find quiet rest in You in every season. Thank You that You provide times of extra rest to refresh us and remind us of where hope is found. Forgive us for losing sight of You when chaos crowds us. Lead us to be intentional in our time with You. Show us how to love those around us in ways that offer peace and rest and refreshment. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we invest time in seeking You to find rest and be reminded of the hope that is held forever in You. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. – Psalm 16:9