April 09, 2017

Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Rest

Selling, creating, deadlines, commissions, personal pursuits, too few ideas, too many ideas, revisions, reviews, and all the other things life throws our way.  Artists are not immune to stress, struggle, and lack of rest.  Though often painted as carefree, artists have more on their mind than making "happy little trees".  Life doesn't discriminate based on profession.  Life happens to all.  Each handles it in their own way, but the stresses life places on us all has a way of robbing us of the rest we all desperately need.  When you are just trying to survive (insert starving artist stereotype here), how can you find rest?  Can we move on from survival mode to thriving mode?
What role does rest play in that?  



The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows  Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  
Psalm 23

We often hear Psalm 23 at funerals, but is it really about death?  When I read this passage I see a way to live. I will be the first to admit that I thrive on stress, deadlines, and over committing. However, over time that can wear on a person (even if it seems to be in their nature to be like this).  We all need rest.  We all need time to calm our heart, our mind, and our activities so that we can continue as the best versions of ourselves.  Sometimes we consider the physical need for rest, but we dismiss the need to calm our heart & mind.   We see in Psalm 23 that much of the stress & struggle that we experience can be relieved if we place our trust in the Good Shepherd.  Sometimes the  situations may continue.  However, when we place our trust in the one who leads us, we can find rest in the midst of the struggle. This passage reassures us of our God's strength, guidance, provision, and love for us.  This knowledge changes everything.  When we know the Lord, when we know the truth contained in these verses, when we know we can't do it on our own....we can find rest. 

3 comments:

  1. Awesome post. The good shepherd is the source.

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  2. Thank you! Believe it or not I am struggling with this right now. Could God possibly be saying "it's okay to relax- you've done a good job and deserve it"? I'm retired but still very involved with education, worried that my purpose here has not been fulfilled- or that my purpose HAS been fulfilled and I am not long for this world......

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    1. Lorraine..with every day you have...you serve God's purpose....to know him & to bring him honor and glory. A kind word, a hug, helping those still teaching, sharing your experience and wisdom.....REST KNOWING GOD IS USING YOU NO MATTER WHAT! You are awesome &.a blessing to more people than you realize!

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