Rest, Restore, and Rejoice

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  (Philippians 4:4)   Paul wrote this from a Roman prison. It was most likely dark, cold, and stinky, and yet he rejoiced.  His rejoicing had nothing to do with his circumstances or physical comfort.  His rejoicing resulted from understanding who God is and what God had done for him and was doing through him. 

Emotionally, I may not feel like rejoicing. Sometimes, I am exhausted spiritually and physically. These are temporary conditions.  It helps me to meditate on a specific passage or promise.  One of my favorites is Psalm 23. This is a perfect place for me to start.  Within the first three verses, I am refocused.

• I need rest, and I rejoice in the companionship (the Hebrew meaning for shepherd) of Jesus.
• I need relaxing, and I rejoice as He makes me lie down, stretch out, in green spiritual pastures.
• I need to be refreshed, and I rejoice as He leads me beside quiet and still waters to a place of rest, remembering to soak in the living water of Jesus. (John 4:13-14)
• I need my soul restored, and I rejoice as He replenishes me and brings me back to the original purpose and existence of my soul, my inner feelings, thoughts, and desires.
• I need to redirect, and I rejoice that His purpose is to lead me on the path of righteousness.
• I need to remember this for His name’s sake, not mine, and I rejoice in the glory and love of God.
• I need to remember all Christ has done for me, and I rejoice again and again.  (See Ephesians 1)

In the still of the morning and in the quiet acknowledgment of God’s presence, He refreshes and restores me. I remember that I am His beloved, His workmanship, His child, and His friend. And I rejoice!

 Rejoice this Thanksgiving in the rest, restoration, and refreshment of Christ.

Blessings,

Personal Reflections

Scripture for Meditation

Meditate on God’s word to go deeper and find the refreshment our Lord can offer. Read this collection of scripture to accompany my new post, Rest, Restore, and Rejoice. (All verses are ESV unless otherwise noted.)

John 7:37-38  – Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 

 John 4:13-14  – Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 – It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. 

Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 5:6 – Blessed are those who hunger thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are his workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Colossians 3:12 NASB – So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;

John 1:12 NASB – But like many, as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,

John 15:15 – No longer do I call you servants, for the servant, does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Music for Reflection

Two songs selected to go along with my post. Happy Thanksgiving!

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