A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 

 

 

 

Old wooden dock extending into a large calm lake with a wooded mountain on the far side

May your unfailing love rest upon us,
O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:22

 

 
Resting in our Lord

Volume XV, Issue 46 

November 16, 2015 
Resting in our Lord...by Terry L. Coleridge
 
Two weeks ago my Mother called to say that she and her Christian girlfriend from Kenya were praying that I get time for a break. She could tell I was tired just from the sound of my voice. Mothers have this gifted ability to know when one of their kids (no matter how old) isn't doing well. Still, I was surprised that she was praying for a break for me!
 
The next two weeks at work were more stressful than usual. My mother-in-law lives with us and her needs had become more demanding. And we also had to get our home ready for one of our kids who often comes down on the weekends. More stress. More demands.
 
One day as I drove down the road, a thought crossed my mind---Pray to your Father for a break. I remember asking, "Isn't this a selfish prayer?" But I recalled that our Lord Jesus Christ took breaks (Mark 6:31).
 
I parked by the side of a peaceful, scenic lake. Then I prayed and rested in our Lord.

Terry's peaceful, scenic lake

Later I texted my husband about my praying and mentioned how wonderful it would be to have a break together. When I picked him up at work that day, he seemed excited.
 
"I had a hard time keeping this news from you," he said. "On Monday my brother asked about taking Mom for four days starting this Thursday night. Then I found out our son has a special event in his military training, so he won't be able to make it home for the weekend."
 
Days were freeing up. Still, there was a problem. My girlfriend and I had planned an outing for the coming Saturday. Then she phoned...to cancel! Our Lord God had worked out a break for us!
 
As I thanked God, an old hymn's melody swirled around in my mind. I've been in Christian worship teams for most of my life, but I simply could not remember the name of this hymn! After prayer and checking out an older hymn book, I found it! Beneath the Cross of Jesus*. It's about resting in our Lord, and two verses really spoke to me.
 
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
 
I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.
 
Through this song Jesus spoke to me about leaning on Him for my rest. And later the Holy Spirit brought this scripture to mind:
 
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  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.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30.
 
Do you need rest? Ask Jesus. He loves you and hears your plea.
Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for answering our prayers and giving me rest!
 
Terry

Terry L. Coleridge is a Nurse Assistant/Facilitator and has cared for individuals with Down's Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Autism, and various behavioral disorders. Terry and her husband live in Washington State, USA.


* Words by Elizabeth C. Clephane (1830-1869)
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