Summer break is finally here. And around our house, that’s thrilling news. You may relate.
Time away with family and friends…laid back days…staying up late…catching up on things we’ve wanted to do all year…a much-needed break for the busy lives that so many lead.
But as much as we love the days of summer, fun vacations, and the times that rest and relaxation with those we love can bring, sometimes our focus gets off. We might somehow start to feel responsible for all the fun and making every minute count. And along the way, we may get weary, distracted, impatient. Kids get tired. The excitement of summer days can quickly fade.
I’m reminded of this at the start of this season…true rest is not found simply because it’s summer, true rest is found in the Lord. And the secret to finding real peace is not found in time off from work and school, it’s found in Him.
It’s in His Presence that we find refreshing for our souls, renewing of our spirits, peace in our hearts, rest over our worried thoughts.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30
“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex. 33:14
“…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Ps. 127:2
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Ps. 46:10
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Is. 40:29-31
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Ps. 4:8
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” Ps. 91:1
“Repent therefore, and turn back…that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” Acts 3:19-20
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...” Ps. 23:1-6
"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” Ecc. 4:6
“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Ps. 113:3
“A heart at peace gives life to the body…” Prov. 14:30
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Is. 26:3
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
“…the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:9
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Is. 54:10
“The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.” Ps. 29:11
“For He Himself is our peace…” Eph. 2:14
“…the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.” Rom. 8:6
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42
“The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Num. 6:24-26
Dear God,
Thank you that you are the Soul Refresher, the One who brings us rest, lifts our burdens, and gives us peace. Thank you that you renew our strength and encourage our weary hearts. Thank you that you know our needs before we even ask you, that you know our thoughts, and what troubles us today.
We bring before you these days of summer. We ask you for times of refreshing from your Spirit, that you would draw us closer to your Presence as we seek after you. We ask you for your blessing and favor over times with family and friends, that you would help us to make the days count and make memories that last a lifetime. Help us to remember what’s most important in this world, and what’s not. Teaching us to hold on to what matters, and how to let go of what doesn’t.
Forgive us for putting other things above our relationship with you. We ask for the peace of your presence, as we turn back to you. We thank you for your promise that seasons of refreshing will come to those who follow whole-heartedly after you.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Maria Lupan