The picture is where I grew up, a small community called Turtle Creek in the Hill Country of Texas. I was blessed to have had a porch swing only a few feet from that creek. Held up by the perfect limb of an oak tree. At a very young age I would go sit on that swing and sing songs about Jesus. Having been raised up hearing all kinds of hymns, I would sing songs and even if I didn’t know the words I’d make them up to fit what I was feeling. I suppose David the shepherd boy did this also when he would sing and play his harp for the Lord. (Psalm 23)
When life got heavy I knew I could go sit there and feel lighter afterwards. I’m sure I sounded silly at times but ultimately I was worshiping Jesus on that swing.
So it was a place of quiet solitude and I was drawn to it often. Later on I learned a neighbor would hear me across the creek while on her front porch, singing my heart out she says.
Isaiah 30:15 says: this is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. this rest will save..
And again the invitation to this kind of quite rest is also found in Matthew 11:28 when Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest..
What I know now, is that activity drew me near to the heart of God. It was a quite rest.
It applies today also, to understand there’s no work that He has for us that does not call us to first fellowship with Him. I must sit and abide to receive for what’s to come each day.
Do you run ahead because the day calls for it?
Remember the passage of Martha vs. Mary? Jesus tells us what’s important.
He knows our needs and His rest supplies our strength.
God speaks to us in His Word.
Here we have clearer lines of revelation of His character, of His dealings with us and the great work of redemption.
These times give hope and rest. He wants this for all.
Go, sit with Him, let His quietness fill you.
In Christ Love, Amen
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