We are pushed forward from every side. Pushed to do more, be more, have more. However, whatever more means, it is a more that doesn’t make as big a difference as expected.
We need sabbath. We need to rest from the pushy voices that make us feel less than enough. We need sanctuary where we cannot be hunted down. We need a safe house, if you will.
There is one place where the world’s voice should not have any clout. It is the place where we can understand in new ways who God has always known we are. God invites us there with a simple invitation, “Return to me!” (Joel 2:12)
Return to the God who made you. Return to the One Who knows more about you than the mother who birthed you. Return to the One Whose hopes for you are not far-fetched or impossible. Return to the One Who can rest you in the deepest place of your weariness.
On this first Sunday as we take our journey to the cross, rest first. Rest from every undone task. Rest from every unmet goal. Rest from every pushy voice in your head. Rest from disappointments and pain. Just rest. Let the One Who created you, renew your belief in his unfailing love and unending resources. When you know where true rest waits, your hungry soul will pull there again and again. This becomes the first gift of this journey.
Scripture to guide your way to the cross . . .
Saturday
Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Joel 2:12-13
Does God hold your heart and everything in it. Fast whatever He doesn’t have.
Sunday
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Read Psalm 91:1
Think about your need for “dwelling” and “resting” in the “shelter” and “shadow” that only God provides.
Monday
If you make the Most High your dwelling— even the Lord, who is my refuge— then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. Psalm 91:9-10
When you live in God, not just with Him, how does God become your protection against doubting that His wisdom, way, and will are your best assets.
Tuesday
"Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-15
What is your rescue based on? What is God’s responsiveness to you based on? What will he show you?