what is rest?

for me, it's not sleeping in. it's not sitting around and watching tv. it's not tuning out the world.

it's realizing who i am in relation to the Lord, and that He is ultimate.

this morning i woke up at 5:30 and headed upstairs to make birthday breakfast for jacqui: breakfast burritos and pumpkin spiced coffee. the four of us ate together while we talked about our ideas to open our house up for fellowship, and what that looks like. (we call it open home sunday....that's for another post.) after cleaning up, i caught sight of the full moon that was still in the sky and decided to go on a walk, so i headed to lincoln park. it's a chilly morning, but not cold, and not wet. it was quiet. the sky is clear, and the sunrise, though simple, was beautiful. i walked through the park for a while, praying about several things, but above all, just resting in the fact that God is a good father who loves us perfectly and provides for us in the most specific ways. it is such a peaceful realization to know that in the end, when i stand before God the Father and give an account for my life, i can honestly proclaim that i am a sinner, and then by grace can claim the righteousness of Jesus, who took the consequences of my sin upon himself. that He will then proclaim "justified! righteous in my sight!"

and that, above all, brings rest.

the Lord has been making that so clear to me lately, and that i'm so quick to chase the things that i want, things that look temporarily satisfying, but which in the end will ultimately pass away. He's been refining my understanding of what it is to rest in His presence, to trust that he is my good Father who provides for me in ways much better than i can. He's been emboldening me to say things that need to be said, to define things clearly, without fear that the world i've created around myself will come crumbling to pieces. because although it might, it would be ultimately for the purposes of His glory and my joy.

"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." matthew 11:28-30

the only condition is that we come, messy, burdened, tired, and weary. and the promise is that He will give us rest.

love,
tracey

(this is definitely not seattle, but is one of my favorite fall photos. manhattan, kansas, october 2009)