I wanted to share one of the lessons that I gained from my husband preaching for our church service this week. It is concerning rest. My husband shared several examples where Jesus rested or demonstrated to disciples the importance of them taking time to rest.
One of the examples that he mentioned is when the disciples had returned from doing the work of the Lord.
Mark 6:30-31 (Berean Standard Bible) – Meanwhile, the apostles gathered around Jesus and brought Him news of all they had done and taught. And He said, “Come with me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while”. For many were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
Jesus wanted them to see the importance to getting away to rest privately in a solitary place after doing the work that God called them to do.
At the end of the service, my husband encouraged us to take time to get alone with God in silence.
I took this to heart and took time this morning to be alone with God in silence. I sat on the front porch and tried to be still. It was a challenge at first to be still and not allow other thoughts to come into my mind, to talk, to pray, to listen to music, or to read, but God met me. I heard him speak and saw him use doves while I sat in silence.
I kept hearing the Lord say that He is with me and to keep my eyes on Him. Then I heard a rustling in the trees but I could not tell what it was. There seemed to be birds flying around the trees and were making distressed noises. I stood up thinking a nest had fallen to the ground, but I did not see anything. I sat down and continued to be still. Then I saw a dove and another dove. I heard Him say that He has given me His peace, and when it is time to move His peace will go with me. Whatever He calls me to and wherever He calls me to go, when it is time to move He is with me and His peace will go with me. Then I saw the dove fly quickly to another tree and the other dove followed.
My mind began to think about doves in the Bible. I thought about Noah and how he sent out a dove out of the ark.
Genesis 8:10-12 (BSB) – Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. And behold, the dove returned to him in the evening with a freshly plucked olive leaf in her beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. And Noah waited seven more days and sent out the dove again, but this time she did not return to him.
I also remembered how the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove.
John 1:32 (BSB) – Then John testified “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him”.
I am so very thankful to have taken the time to be still this morning and listen to hear His voice. I learned the importance and value of taking time to rest and be still before the Lord. He reaffirmed to me that whatever He calls me to do and wherever He calls me to go to keep my eyes on Him. He has given me His peace and He is with me.
Isaiah 26:2 (BSB) – You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You.
As my husband encouraged us, I also encourage you to take time to be alone with the Lord and to be still to listen to what He would say to you.
Lord, I pray that you would speak to hearts and reveal yourself even more as they take time to rest, be alone with you, and be still to hear you speak. In Jesus name, Amen.
God bless you!
Titus 2:3-5 Ministries 