This morning the Lord is reminding me of what “rest” is.

“Rest” is defined as,

cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.

be placed or supported so as to stay in a specified position.

an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.

be based on or grounded in; depend on.

place hope, trust, or confidence on or in.

To “rest in Him” doesn’t mean that I should go into hiding and take a sabbatical from life. It doesn’t mean that I don’t need to work hard. It doesn’t mean it’s okay to overly embrace my inner introvert. It doesn’t even mean taking a break from the work I am to do.

It just means that I need to “let go” of trying in my own strength all the time, and allow myself to lean on Him in all things, giving me peace and allowing me to recharge… but this time recharging in HIS strength, not my own. I need a new strength.

When I rest in Him, lean on Him, wait on Him, let go and trust in Him, realizing that I don’t have to understand it all… this is what happens…

“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.” – Isaiah 40:31

I will be honest and say that my mind has been very tired lately.

My mind has been trying very hard to understand and analyze in its own strength.

Trying hard to figure things out. Then I try even harder to make it stop.

The Lord is always reminding me to “rest” in Him. I need to be reminded quite often.

And I do try so hard, I try so hard that I use all of my might and end up empty.

That sounds like an honorable thing doesn’t it?

But it’s not what the Lord wants me to try and do in the first place.

He doesn’t need my earthy strength. He wants to give me His if I’ll let Him.

If I’ll rest in Him.

“God I trust You, I trust You. I’m keeping my eyes on You while in this. I’m waiting on You. I’m watching for You. I’m expecting You.”

My little strength -my effort, my straining, my over-trying… gives way to exhaustion and emptiness. His strength gives way to peace, hope, and MORE strength, supernatural strength, continued strength.

My effort and strength keeps me from having the room for His strength.

Why would I want my own when He wants to give me new strength?

–Heather ?