Friday, July 06, 2012

Refuel Your Soul

"But I have calmed and quieted myself . . ." (Psalm 131:2a NIV)

Life is so easy when things are calm and peaceful, but things get a little dicey when life rages around us. We are busy people and busy people tend to race from one thing to the next without pausing.

All of us need something meaningful and significant to pursue. Yet, the frenetic pursuit of "things to do, place to go and people to see" will rob us of the peace and quiet that is essential to refresh and refuel our souls.

Living this life is like driving an automobile along the byways of our city. We must drive responsibly and safely. Lives depends on it . . . ours and others. Along the city streets there are signs that identify safe speed limits and signals that control the ebb and flow of traffic.

In addition, the normal data received via the eyesight should direct the driver with common sense. Yet, we all have seen (or been) the driver who ignores all the signs, signals and common sense. "There goes an accident looking for a place to happen!"

Our text passage clearly expresses the importance of a slower pace and a quieted, calm spirit. The Creator decided that regular rest periods were essential for his creation, so he gave a personal example to follow (Genesis 2:2). Stop and take a break! Refuel your soul!

Jesus knew that physical energy for the journey depended on the spiritual refueling attained through rest, relaxation and recreation (Matthew 14:13 et als). We are finite beings who cannot function effectively if our energy gauge always registers "weary." We need to regularly relax the body and calm the spirit.

What is happening at the intersections of your life? Are you pressured by your duties and responsibilities? Is your family or health taking a backseat? Are you being distracted from hearing God's voice? Maybe it's time to stop and refuel. Maybe you need a regular habit of refueling. In our weakness, God will be our strength for the journey, if we will only stop and refuel our souls.

Dear Father, thank you for your example of regular rest and relaxation. Empower us to control ourselves and be calm in the face of life and responsibility. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today by refueling your soul,

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