You’d think that resting would be second nature for me.
After all, it’s an essential part of living with M.E.
Doesn’t it just mean slowing down and pressing pause on busyness?
Resting also involves being still physically.
It means being intentional about stressing less.
[bctt tweet=”We come apart from the world’s ways in order to not fall apart on the inside.”]
It’s about making time for seeking God’s face.
It’s what our restless souls need for refreshment and restoration.
Rest is a vital necessity for all of us and a way of refuelling during extra busyness.
And as we approach Advent, I sense God calling me to stop a while, to linger longer in His presence, to listen with greater intent.
Because I’ve been heeding obligations and commitments for too long, even if necessarily so.
Been in danger of making busy a badge of honour.
But I can only go on so long without becoming burnt out. Maybe you too?
[bctt tweet=”Could God be calling you to pause and ponder in this hectic season?”]
Perhaps this is a moment, a day or a week to seek to spend less time on social media and more time in prayer.
Be still before Him. Be at rest in every way.
In the coming aside, God renews and refreshes us inwardly and outwardly.
Here’s a prayer whisper about listening, responding and resting more intentionally.
May it be a blessing to you too.
Prayer whisper: ‘Intentional resting’
“Take time each day to commune with Me. Set apart moments to lift your heart heavenwards. For in stillness, rest and quiet lies your strength.
In seeking Me, you set the tone of your day as one of surrender to My will and ways. I do not hide Myself. I can always be found by hungry hearts who deliberately draw close to My side.
Be intentional about guarding your schedule to include soul-sanctuary seeking.
Devise your days with My guidance. Together we will accomplish so much more.
Dependency on Me isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of faithfulness and trust. The world will overwhelm you soon enough.
Come to Me for inner cleansing, for deep peace and for wisdom to know how to proceed. Lean on Me and learn from Me. I am humble and gentle of heart.
Let Me whisper words you need to hear. An instructed mind and tongue will become a blessing to others.
[bctt tweet=”Try not to rush into My Presence or hurry away without pausing to listen.”]
I know your every need before you ask Me for anything, and My greatest desire is to have an intimate, loving relationship with you.
Come close My child. There is no fear here. Perfect Love casts out fear. I am Holy and I am also tender, rich in mercy and grace.
I will heal, restore, fill to overflowing and provide for you beyond your wildest dreams.
Trust Me to take very good care of you with My infinite goodness, patience and love.”
This season is one of potential extra busyness; it’s also one that lends itself well to contemplation. A time for stillness, rest and reflection.
How do you intend to approach Advent?
Have you got specific plans for this special time?
Please feel free to share them in the comments below.
I have some ideas I hope to share with you here.
Maybe together we can work out wise ways to celebrate Christ’s coming into the world.
Words of Joy 
This gives me pause for reflection, Joy. Without taking time to fill up at the Fountain of Life, we will become parched and not able to go on in life. We are so dependent on Him, aren’t we? I love the prayer whisper. This part especially echoes in my heart – “Come to Me for inner cleansing, for deep peace and for wisdom to know how to proceed. Lean on Me and learn from Me.” Blessings and hugs to you, my friend!
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“Without taking time to fill up at the Fountain of Life, we will become parched and not able to go on in life.” Oh how true those words are! Yes, our dependence is an inevitable part of our fallen humanity but it serves the wonderful purpose of driving us closer to God in our need. I’m so pleased you found some soul refreshment here, Trudy. Blessings and hugs returned to you too! 🙂 x
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I am so, so tired and I came upon your blog through another Christian website. Both prayers and comments are what I need today. I am going to rest, my last day off, and be open to God’s healing. It’s a beautiful day here: I have a wonderful view of the sky from my sunny TV room. I have all I need for now and know when it’s time, I’ll finish with my obligations.
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I sympathise, Virginia. Whether or not people suffer from M.E, fatigue seems to be endemic these days as we all tend to push ourselves to the utmost and feel the pressure of expectation weighing heavy on us. It’s good to meet you, and even better to hear how you’ve been inspired to take some needful rest. May you be renewed, restored and refreshed in every way as you rest body, mind and spirit and are open to receiving God’s healing. It’s what the Sabbath was created for and we’re all the poorer for not practising it. Bless you for stopping by.
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Aww! Sweet rest! Your words match mine this week in how the theme of our posts went similar directions. I love that we were thinking along the same lines.
I am trying to wrap my brain around Advent to provide words on my blog but also to understand for myself how to move into the season of preparation without burnin myself out. I have Ann Voskamp’s book, The Greatest Gift, that I will go through throughout Advent. It is a beautiful reflection.
Blessed to read your words and to find you thriving in this space.
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Yes, we do seem to be on the same wavelength, don’t we, Mary? Maybe God just wants this message to sink home to His weary children. And how we need His rest! It sounds like you’re getting some Advent preparations sorted out in your mind. The hard part is to take it easily and not stress ourselves further by trying to do too much in the run up to Christmas. It’s about balancing rest with reflection and activity with abiding. A tricky thing to pull off without God’s guidance and grace. Anything by Ann Voskamp is sure to be a blessing to you.
Thank you so much for the interest, friendship and support you give me in this space. If I appear to be thriving then it’s due in no small measure to lovely friends such as you and the fragrance of Christ which you bring to this site. I can do nothing without God’s goodness and grace either and I give Him praise for His bountiful provision! Blessings and love to you. Xx
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I love to go out for a walk and pray and rest with God – just spending time being with him. It is good for the soul and good for relieving the stress of the season. Thanks for the reminder our strength is in the stillness.
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Rachel, that sounds idyllic and soothing to the soul. It’s so important to set aside time like that. I’m glad you also find strength in stillness. Thanks for visiting and adding to the conversation here.
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Joy, this is such a beautiful post. This time of year, we find ourselves pulled to busyness & yet it is the pausing we truly find the true meaning of Advent & find rest for our souls. I find myself very grateful to have read your words this morning. Blessings!
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I’m glad you can appreciate the gift of rest, Joanne. It may seem counter-intuitive during such a busy season, but our souls need to pause as we seek to savour “the true meaning of Advent.” Blessed by your visit, my friend!
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Hey, are you reading my mind? I’m home this morning recovering from a three week bout of bronchitis, and trying to be thankful for the enforced season of rest.
Thank you for the gift of these thoughts to help me on my way.
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Hi Michele. No, I don’t have that gift, I’m afraid! I’m so sorry to hear how you’re struggling with your health right now. And I’m praying you will be able to see the benefits wrapped up in an “enforced season of rest” as you recover from a bad bout of bronchitis. Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found some soul refreshment here. Blessings of health and strength to you.
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Joy, your thoughts certainly resonate in me. Resting in God is a deep spiritual practice that may look to “actives” like laziness, but in reality it is the place from which our deepest prayers emerge, while it also brings deep peace, healing, and great joy to our souls! In addition to Sunday, I take one day each week to devote to prayer and intentional rest. What a difference it has made!
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Hi Laura Ellen. My soul resonates with your words too. I especially love the way you say that resting “is the place from which our deepest prayers emerge.” That has been true in my experience. It also appears to be a place where deeper creative thoughts sit because God tends to inspire me most when I am resting in Him, praying and contemplating. To bring the practice into the routine of daily life the way you do is being intentional about seeking after God’s best as well as His rest. We suffer if we allow the world to overwhelm all our time and thoughts. Thank you for adding so beautifully to the conversation here. I’m blessed to see you here!
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Great post, Joy. As Christians, our first priority needs to be time with God, and, as poets and writers, we need to hear before we write. Thanks. I’ll highlight your post on the Christian Poets & Writers blog – http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.
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Thanks, Mary. Yes, it does need to be a top priority to spend time with God to become refuelled and refreshed, and “to hear before we write” as you so wisely say. I’m so pleased this post spoke to you and honoured to have it highlighted on the Christian Poets and Writers blog. Blessings to you and all your readers.
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