STOP……… Take a moment….. Wait on the Lord.
This is not passive or lazy, remaining in readiness for purpose. Listening is an action to give attention to concentrate or take notice of.
Psalms 37v7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
A better way to perceive tomorrow comes with restoration. A change is as good as a rest. The burdens of everyday life are sometimes weighty and can affect you spiritually and physically.
Psalm51 v 10- 12
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Rushing through life from one moment to the next tends to feel as if things are getting away from you and out of your control. Irritability and frustration can erupt from this. Take time out to reflect – the world will keep turning.
Mark 4v 26-28
This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.”
Everyone needs time out to rest and recuperate. Stepping back from a situation often gives perspective and clarity. Bear in mind even the author and creator of life itself took a day off and told us to do likewise – it’s advice worth taking on board.
Exodus 20 v11
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
The sun has finally burst forth over us! It seemed as if there was no end to the winter gloom. Sometimes when we are caught up in the midst of pains and troubles, everything around us and to us seems dark and confusing… until the Sun of Righteousness bursts forth with glory, power and hope!
Paul captures this very well when he encourages the Corinthian church, and us, with these words: "For our light and temporary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that far outweighs our troubles."
He is the treasure we need when all seems lost. He is the greatest treasure for us because His value can never diminish. If winter is still looming over you at this moment, look up at the sky and see that your greatest hope is here!
People began to see Jesus after His resurrection – not just a few, but many. The Bible records that He appeared to over 500 before He ascended. Since then, He has appeared to thousands upon thousands, and millions, even billions, believe in Him as their greatest treasure. Jesus said this to Thomas:
John 20 v 9:"Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.". Are you blessed? Do you believe?
So, we’ve just had the biggest celebration of the Christian calendar: Easter (Resurrection) Sunday – remember? We sang and read that Jesus is alive and is risen. We’ve rejoiced because we know that death is defeated – right? Where do we go from here? Well, Mary’s response was to run and tell others what she had witnessed. She discovered that the greatest treasure of her life was not dead and buried but alive and risen! She didn’t withhold the good news but shared it with earnest and joy.
Jesus said to Thomas one of the disciples "… blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."John 20 v29b.
Now, if Jesus is your greatest treasure and you know by faith that He’s alive, then go and do the same.
