TIME TO BE STILL
How many of us are so busy we can’t seem to find time to be still? Does that describe your life? I know sometimes I go from one thing to another without finding time to stop.
I suspect many of us aren’t still until we get into bed at night.
Even then our minds keep going and we often find ourselves tossing and turning. We might still be hurt from unkind words that day. Or maybe we are angry and don’t want to let it go. Maybe we have concerns and burdens that we feel are too hard to carry.
Did you know that we are encouraged in scripture to reflect or meditate and be still while lying in bed?
Look at what this psalm says:
Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to him. Be angry[a] and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Footnotes:a. 4:4 Or Tremble
As we lie in bed reviewing the day in our minds, we can tell God about our anger, our hurt, and our burdens. He hears us when we call out, and as we put our trust in Him, He gives us peace. That doesn’t mean everything is solved, but we can rest knowing that God has everything under control.
GRACE FOR BURDENS
What burdens must I carry
on this winding road of life?
One by one they often come
pressing hard with pain and strife.
Are they mine to bear alone
as I stumble through each day?
Bravely I keep moving on
sometimes forgetting to pray.
Will my burdens overwhelm
as circumstances hover?
No, for Jesus meets me here
with grace enough to cover.
~gsw~
Jesus meets us where we are. He covers us with love and grace and brings joy in the midst of trials. When my heart is heavy, or I feel overwhelmed, I do find peace when I talk to God. Instead of lying awake I pray, leaving my worries with Jesus and I am able to sleep.
If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord. When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, where the prompt word is still.
I’m also linking up with: #Grace&Truth, #BVNetworkParty, #TeaAndWord, #TellHisStory, #LMMLinkup
Always a balm for the soul at Gayl’s place!
Oh, thank you, Susan. That warms my heart! Blessings and love to you, dear sister! xo
Thank you for sharing these truths, Gayl! I need to get in the habit of pouring my heart out to God before I go to sleep. I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Yes, it really helps to wind down and give all those burdens to God. He does enable us to have peace amidst the storm. Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl,
Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful thoughts today. The last stanza, and especially these lines speak so deeply to me:
“No, for Jesus meets me here
with grace enough to cover.”
There is such a peace from Him when we soak into His covering of grace. And I love your peaceful night-time photos. I pray that you have a Blessed Christmas time with your family! Love and Hugs Dear Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
I’m so glad it speaks to you. Thank you for your continued encouragement to me. I pray you will have a blessed Christmas, too. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
I am inspired as you express your gifts and love for Jesus. Hugs.
Karen, what a blessing to me to known you are inspired. Love and hugs to you! xo
Words of hope…
Thanks so much, Bette, for your encouragement. Blessings and love to you! xo
Jesus does meet us where we are!
Yes, He does, dear Tara! Blessings and love to you! xo
Love this Gayl! An oasis of calm.
Not much rest for me. I’ll take liberty when I’m dead, I guess.
But for now, the fight.
Thank you so much, Andrew! Yes, your fight just goes on and you are such an inspiration! Blessings to you and Barb and your canine friends, too.
These are such inspiring and encouraging thoughts, Gayl! I’m blessed by them all, especially your poem. These lines stood out for me:
“Will my burdens overwhelm
as circumstances hover?
No, for Jesus meets me here
with grace enough to cover.”
What glorious reassurance that is! There is always grace enough to cover our needs. Thank you for pointing us to the One who gives us lasting rest, joy and peace. Blessings and hugs to you! xoxo
I’m so glad you were blessed and encouraged, Joy. Yes, always enough grace! Thank you for your encouragement, dear sister. You always bless me with your comments. Blessings, love and hugs to you! xoxo
This is beautiful, Gayl! It’s so encouraging to know that we can go to God just as we are!
Thank you, Lesley! It is so encouraging to know that we don’t have to try to fix ourselves up to come to God. He takes us just as we are and He changes us. Blessings to you!
So very lovely… all of it!
Thank you so much, dear Karrilee! Blessings and love to you!
I needed this today. So glad to find your blog today via the link up. I am following you now in social and shared your post.
Thank you, Susan! May God bless you! I’m going to check out your blog, too. 🙂
Thank you for this encouraging post, Gayl. My word for this year is ‘still’, and I think through it God is continually reminding me to rest in His Sovereignty.
I’m glad you were encouraged, Carlie. It’s always best to rest in His sovereignty but not always easy to put into practice. But His timing is always best and He loves us. Blessings to you!
Gayl: These are beautiful thoughts. I love your poem. Your thoughts have helped me deal with an issue I have had. Thank you.
Thank you, Cecelia. I’m so glad God used this to help you! Blessings to you!
Gayl, Your poem is beautiful!
Thank you so much, Stephanie. Blessings to you! Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior!
It feels like its been a long time since I connected with you here, and what a perfect post for me to find today!
Blessings to you and your family as you celebrate Jesus together!
Thank you so much, Michele! So nice to see you here. 🙂 Blessings to you and yours this seasons, too! Glory to our great God! xo
Your poetry always uplifts me. Thanks for sharing on the #LMMLinkup this past week.
Thank you, Mary, for your encouragement. I’m so glad to have had a part in uplifting you. Blessings and love to you, dear Mary. xoxo
Thank you Gayl. Love your poems and call to stillness. Hiding under His wing and resting in the midst.
Thank you, Kathy, for your encouragement. Yes, we can hide under His wings and rest even in the struggles. Blessings and love to you! xo
Gayl, thanks so much for stopping by my post at #Let’sHaveCoffee! I love this quote, “Jesus meets us where we are. He covers us with love and grace and brings joy in the midst of trials. When my heart is heavy, or I feel overwhelmed, I do find peace when I talk to God. Instead of lying awake I pray, leaving my worries with Jesus and I am able to sleep.” I have found this to be true in my life, too! Many blessings to you ❤️
Thank you, Beth. Yes, God gives us peace even when things are difficult. Blessings to you!