A Greater Dream

Sometimes I wish the Bible said things like, “When you get stressed, just book that dream vacation for yourself!” Or, perhaps, “Take a break, dear one.  The afternoon is yours to do with what you desire.  Leave the necessary duties behind and go get a latte and pedicure!”  While we do take breaks in our schedules for personal pleasure to “get away from it all,” these moments of refreshment often appeal to our flesh and are temporary delights at best.  There’s a greater depth of character that God desires to build into our hearts when we need refreshing and calm, one that leaps to believe Truth, instead of jumps to desire ease and comfort. 

When we think we need (or can’t live without) something that will bring us calm pleasure, we shouldn’t quickly brush by Truth.  Applied Truth IS renewal to the soul and brings eternal peace, the ultimate rejuvenation.  The Word, God breathed, holy, living, and relative to our days is perfect in every way.  It is a rock to cling to in perilous times, a breath of fresh air to the regular routine of a day.  It is the faithful comfort that embraces your heart when faced with devastating circumstances.  It is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding when questions arise and no answers can be found.  It is the calm in the midst of stress and struggle.  God’s Word is life.

Perfect peace, a good work in us, fear challenged, trust strengthened, hope engaged, riches received, great power demonstrated, faithful love poured out . . . these are ours should we “Be still, and know that [He is] God . . .” (Psalm 46:10)

Sitting on the beach of a Hawaiian island sipping an iced latte, sounds like heaven to me!  But, where would I be without God’s Truth?  Where would I be without his recognizable presence throughout my days?  Take a dream vacation of rest!  Spend time taking in the Truth of God’s Word.  The promise is that true rest will be attainable and earthly desire will seem to fade into the sunset.  Live for the greater dream . . . peace eternal.

Rest

A planned visit to the ocean is always a treat.  I chose to go with the intention of spending the evening watching the sunset with the Lord.  It was my Sabbath, a date, and truly restful.

This past week, I struggled with a decision that affected me that was out of my control.  I was confused and broken hearted over it and needed to gain understanding and peace to move past the conflict of my heart.  As I sat on a park bench on a cliff looking over the water, I discussed my trouble with the Lord.  I am incredibly thankful for God’s presence.  He’s real, lovely, and always at my side.  We sat together on the bench taking in the beauty.

You can know God as Creator by resting near the ocean.  The sound of the waves crashing the shore is thunderous yet soothing.  The smell is unique yet familiar and fresh.  The glistening water’s depth, no man can fathom, yet it tickles the toes with a gentle embrace.  The grains of sand in their legions sparkle in the evening glow at dusk, reaching and retreating in obedience.  Peace speaks.

Out of nothing, God spoke and the mysteries of the ocean formed.  Each detail incomprehensible and real.  If God breathed life to the wonders of the sea, He can breathe life in me.  Even I am more majestic than His ocean.  My days are detailed with excellence.  Every victory, struggle, and question is a piece of the beauty of my life.  The ocean is so vast, immeasurable, and miraculous.  As well, my life is beyond my understanding.  I am priceless.  His perfection is reflected in His creation.  May He be perfect in me. 

My time of rest has taught me once again, to see God’s majesty in the ebb and flow of life, in the depths and the surface of my purpose, and the innumerable details.  My heart may still have times of trouble, but God is greater than my heart. I am thankful that God speaks to me, sitting beside me, loving every detail of my life.  Peace, peace, wonderful peace.  This is rest.