Rest in the Lord. Sometimes, that's easier said than done. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in our plans, dreams and goals that we forget to look to the Lord for guidance.
I had a dream one night that I was doing a puzzle. It was a wonderful, magnificent puzzle. It took me weeks to complete; thousands of pieces, one at a time, slowly and uniquely coming together,creating a vision of Christ in all His glory welcoming another child into the family of God. As frustrating as it was at times, it gave me great pleasure to work and manipulate each piece with trial and error into it's proper position. At last, it was almost done. The last piece was all I needed, but it was nowhere to be found.
I had plans of my own. I was determined to get this puzzle done.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
I looked under my chair, under the table, in the box. I frantically began searching the house. Did the dog take it? One of the kids? Did it get swallowed up in the vacuum cleaner? Days later, exhausted and frustrated, staring at my unfinished puzzle with its one missing piece, I collapsed. I can't do it! I give up! This was not how I envisioned it. This was not what I had planned. I sit down in my chair and look up in exasperation and defeat; and there, standing right beside me is my heavenly Father.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
With one hand on my shoulder, he opens his other hand to show me the missing piece of the puzzle. With compassion and love, he gently says, “I've been here the whole time. I've just been waiting for you to look up.”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Let me encourage you. When things in your world seem upside down, inside-out and topsy-turvy; when it seems there is no way in the world you can handle what's been given to you and what's going on; when you are frantically searching for meaning and the missing pieces of the puzzle of your life, stop. Look up. Don't try tyo do everything in your own strength.
God holds all the pieces. Only He has all the answers. Just imagine God saying, ” I love you. I've been here the whole time. I've just been waiting for you to look up.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Restless by Audrey Assad
Be First to Comment