Notes of Faith May 14, 2024

Rest and Refresh

Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.” John 7:37

They were nuns, monks, hermits, and ascetics, and were known as the Desert Fathers (or Desert Mothers, for nuns). Beginning with Anthony the Great who moved to the Middle Eastern desert around A.D. 270, thousands of others followed in his footsteps, seeking spiritual purity, enlightenment, solitude, and perfection.

Their pattern of retreating contributed to today’s practice of taking a retreat to refresh oneself spiritually. Thankfully, it’s not necessary to retreat to the desert or a mountaintop, either temporarily or permanently, to find spiritual refreshment. Jesus said if we would but come to Him—for living water or for rest (Matthew 11:28-30)—we would find it in abundance. We can create that place of rest in a place of prayer or Bible study or meditation or worship, anywhere we can retreat from the cares and busyness of life. When we turn over those cares to God in prayer through Christ, His peace will guard our heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

If you can retreat to a serene spot in nature—wonderful! If that’s not possible, retreat with Jesus wherever you can. He will meet you there.

You made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless till they rest in you.

Augustine

We don’t just need a vacation from work or the routine of life, we need Jesus every moment of every day. We must learn to come to Him, at all times, to find rest and peace for the trials and tribulations of “every day.” May you be blessed as you seek His presence with you in everything that you do . . . He is always there.

Pastor Dale