When Faith Falters: Relearning Rest

“I am the Lord.  In its time I will do this swiftly.”This verse has been a mainstay for me in the many occasions God has given me to wait.  I have clung to it especially in a long wilderness journey with a loved one.Recently, in the midst of some significant events, I decided now was the time. Right choices should be made. Needed changes should happen. It’s been a very long journey. It should be time.But apparently it isn’t.I despaired.  We were moving in the right direction. What happened? Is this a pause? A detour? A reverse?Weariness.  Anger.  Fear.Can I still believe God will do this?I am confident that God welcomes total honesty. As I walked the beach this morning, I told Him all these things—loudly, softly, repeatedly, through tears.He listened compassionately.  He chuckled I think.  Then He said clearly: “You know the answers.  You have written the answers. Let your own words speak to your heart, your mind, your soul.”I knew.  So I went right to my Learning to Rest ebook and read it through.These were the words I needed.“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16)Doing it on my own is exhausting, but there is rest in His presence.Unbelief, worry, fear are exhausting, but there is rest in repentance.Harboring resentment is exhausting, but there is rest in forgiveness.Clinging to my way is exhausting, but there is rest in release.Fighting against reality is exhausting, but there is rest in giving thanks.Disobeying a trustworthy God is exhausting, but there is rest in obedience.Unfulfilled hope is exhausting, but there is rest in the promises of God.And there was more.He assured me He was with me on this journey, offering comfort, providing hope, relieving my fears.  He gives rest—for my weary body, my depleted energy, my tired mind, my exhausted emotions.And He extended this amazing invitation:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)I think I will accept.What about you?  Are you weary?  Fearful?  Needing rest?C2012 Judy Douglass