Read and rest

When life goes sideways, our full attention is often required to persevere and get back on track.  If it will take some length of time to get through the trial, then we will eventually find ourselves seeking some sort of “rest”.  We yearn for peaceful sleep, a clear mind, or a calm conscious.

There is a place for study, deep thinking, and mental stretching as we attempt to think God’s thoughts after Him while we read the Scriptures…but it is also good for us to simply read His Word and rest in it.

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to dive into Psalm 27…but for right now, and as many times as you can this week…just read it entirely and allow David’s words to strengthen your own relationship with God.

Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation –
whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life –
of whom should I be afraid?
When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh,
my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
Though an army deploy against me,
my heart is not afraid;
though war break out against me,
still I am confident. 

I have asked one thing from the Lord;
it is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
gazing on the beauty of the Lord
and seeking Him in His temple.
For He will conceal me in His shelter
in the day of adversity;
He will hide me under the cover of His tent;
Then my head will be high above my enemies around me;
I will offer sacrifices in His tent with shouts of joy.
I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Lord, hear my voice when I call;
be gracious to me and answer me.
In Your behalf my heart says, “Seek My face.”
Lord, I will seek Your face.
Do not hide Your face from me;
do not turn Your servant away in anger.
You have been my help;
do not leave me or abandon me,
God of my salvation.
Even if my father and mother abandon me,
the Lord cares for me.

Because of my adversaries,
show me Your way, Lord.
and lead me on a level path.
Do not give me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing violence.

I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be courageous and let your heart be strong.
Wait for the Lord.

Read slowly, breathe, and rest.

Keep Pressing,
Ken