Have you ever been here: So busy, there's not even time to eat? So many coming and going, there's not even one minute to rest? I have. And it can be overwhelming. At times like these, I am often too tired to think about food, let alone eat. But, I must feed the family! So, off we go again, serving others day in and day out with little rest in between. Lest you are starting to feel the "woe is me" coming on, let me say this: We were created to serve. And in this serving, we honor the One who created us to do so. So, take heart - you are only doing what you've been created to do.

However, our Creator also knows that we need rest, hence His statement, "Come with me to a deserted (or quiet) place and rest." That's actually in the Bible and it's actually Jesus speaking to his disciples. (Mark 6:31) The disciples had just come back from being sent out and they were telling Jesus all that they had done and taught and He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat." NKJV

He wants to hear all about our comings and goings and He wants to minister to us so that we will be refreshed when we are sent out to serve our family and our world again.

Do you sometimes feel like you need some moral support? Sometimes we are the only ones we know who do all we do (and understand why) and it can be a lonely place. Some of us don't have another like-minded friend nearby. Jesus is that like-minded friend you can pour your heart out to any day, any time, any situation, without judgment. And, when we are sent out, He says He goes with us. He said He would be with us to the end. Talk about moral support! He's not only FOR us, He is WITH us. Incredible.

Don't you feel better already? If not, I think you need to go take a mini-retreat with your Savior as soon as possible. It will do you a world of good, and it will do the world good when you are ready to face it again. He knows our frame, that we are but dust, and He has provided rest for our souls.

So, don't get discouraged, and don't get defeated, get away. If even for a minute. Find a corner and pray. Pour yourself out to Him and then listen to His voice through His word speak the healing balm to your tired body and weary soul. He will refresh you and strengthen you for the next step. Maybe you feel like you can only do one more thing and then need to come back to Him again - that's a good thing! Keep on coming and soon your strength will return and your God will be glorified in your good works. His strength will be made perfect in your weakness and all the glory will go to Him as you continue to serve all those He's placed in your little realm. And,  you'll do it all for God and God alone, and you'll be able to do it all with a smile.

Defeat discouragement by discouraging defeat.

Discourage defeat by getting away with your Master.

Your fellow servant and like-minded friend,

Deborah

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Posted by Anonymous

I know that you didn't just write platitudes - I know you give more of yourself in service than anyone else I know - and I know from Who your strength comes from.

Thank you for reminding us to go to Him. They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength... I'm always telling the kids that prayer is us speaking to God and reading the Word is Him talking to us. I also tell them when they are tired or sick, that rest is the best medicine. But I often forget to stop to talk, listen, or rest in the Lord... sometimes I 'feel' that it's just another thing to DO when I'm at the end of myself and can't DO another thing.

Your post reminds me to put away those feelings and cling to the fact that our Father is loving and when He says, rest... it's for our good. Well... on that note, I'm off now to rest -- telling Him my concerns, opening His Word and letting Him speak to me. (guess who? HLP)

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Posted by Parental Units in the Desert

Thanks, we needed that this week. Great article, God is surely blessing us with your gift of encourgement to the body. The art work is also awesome, and where did it come from, did you do it?

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Posted by Anonymous

Hi. I love your posts. Most encouraging.

Here's a response:

Find a corner and pray
27.3.2006

Find a corner and pray
Get away
From your children
Get away
From the chores
Just get away
Make time for Jesus today

Retreat into His arms
Rest upon His shoulders
Let His peace flow
Let His Word reveal
Our Lord’s purposes
His grand design for your life

Find a corner and pray
Come back
Refreshed
Come back
Renewed
Ready to tackle the rest of the day.

Blessings,
Ai Boon

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