| December 28th, 2000 � RESToration Recreation, regeneration, revitalization, renewal� words which conjure up imagery of positive change, being re-energized and gaining a fresh, new outlook on life. Reinvention of self as a way to stay current. Keeping what�s good, throwing out the outmoded and the obsolete, making room for the new. Viewing the world through new eyes. Slowing down to reassess your goals. Taking time to recharge your batteries. What do you do to escape the clamor? Where is your sanctuary? Your room? Your car? A quiet place by the water? There�s someone who wants to meet you in the quiet place. Someone who waits for you to turn to Him. Someone who promises you rest for your psyche. "Come to me all you who labor and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Jesus (Matthew 11: 28-30) There�s Someone who respects your space. Someone who is not pushy, selfish, arrogant or rude. Someone who will never pressure you. Someone who is delighted in your ability to choose Him of your own free will. "I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you." (Jeremiah 31: 3) "Love is patient, Love is kind; Love is not envious; Love is not arrogant, Love is not boastful, it does not behave inappropriately, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily provoked, it does not think evil but always believes the best�" (I Corinthians 13: 4-5) "�God is love." (I John 4: 8) There�s Someone who wants nothing more than for you to find life, peace, joy, contentment, restoration and complete satisfaction. "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want (be needy). He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside peaceful waters. He restores my soul (psyche)�" (Psalms 23: 1-3) A shepherd gently leads his sheep to places where they will not be spooked, not be troubled, not be stressed and vulnerable. If you are feeling pressured, un-enthused, stressed-out, afraid and/or negative about life, you can be sure it is not God making you feel that way. He is your soul�s only true refuge and sanctuary. All else is but a counterfeit and temporary shelter. A mirage-like illusion in the desert of time, resulting only in sand slipping from between your fingers. Won�t you let God be your friend? Let Him in your life. Let Him renew your mind and attitude through His word today. |