There is a mass of confusion at my house right now. I have boxes piled high, cupboards emptied and decorations wrapped up like presents. It is a challenge to find anything that I’m looking for as I make my way through the maze of chaos which currently represents my home. I have packed up to move several times in my life, but on this occasion I’m noticing that stress and worry is playing havoc with me. I work full time and because of that, I keep wondering how everything will ever get done! My mind races from one thing to another as I go through my mental list of to-do’s and chores until I’m running on massive “overload”! But, I need to remember to take time to breathe...and let God be God.

In Paul’s grateful letter to the Philippians, he tells us to rely on Christ for our strength, for through Him, we can accomplish all that God wills. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Upon reflecting on that verse, I feel peace returning. I know that God is aware of what I need to get done, not simply what I want to get done. He knows my time parameters, but more than that, He already has a plan and knows how and when everything will and should work out. I know that He will strengthen me and allow me to complete what He wants me to complete. And so, I pause and take time to breathe…and let God be God.

In the Gospel of Mark there is a time recorded when Christ’s disciples were exhausted from ministering to the people. They were so busy that they hadn’t even had time to feed themselves. But, Jesus reminded them that they all needed to take time to get away and rest. “Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). When life is coming at you full force, the temptation is to not stop. I see the tendency in me to keep running and working until the job is done. But, as a result the work suffers, as does my emotional and physical self. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). It is important to come before the Lord with our burdens for He will refresh and strengthen us. And so, I come before Him and take time to breathe…and let God be God.

And in those quiet moments of refreshment, when I am still and calm, the Lord will comfort and strengthen me enabling me to complete what He needs me to complete. He is big enough for all my burdens. He is always working. He is always sovereign. He is always God. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). So, I take time to breathe...and let God be God.

Living for Him,

 
 
 

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10 Comments

  1. I love the lessons you are learning through this season of your life. The spiritual maturity that is evident in your words as you recognize who God is. He is the One who can strengthen and refresh you. He will enable you to do what He would have you to do.

    Thanks for the reminder to ...breathe!

    Blessings and love to you Joan,
    Debbie

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  2. Thank you for these wonderful words. Joan, it's so difficult for me to let God be God. I'm so impatient sometimes, and then other times so paralyzed with fear. Not often enough am I just taking the time to BREATHE! Reading your post was just that - taking a moment and letting God speak to me through your words...taking a deep breath, and just letting Him in...

    GOD BLESS!

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  3. Joan I just posted on Grace Alone how hard it was for me to let go and Let God. Then I come to you and find that you have reminded me to do just that. I taught a Bible study a year ago on Resting in Him and I seemed to have forgotten to do just that with myself.
    It is time to Rest in Him.
    Thank you my siesta in Christ,Glenda

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  4. Yes, we need to remember to go to Him and find rest in His arms of Love.

    Blessings,
    Krista

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  5. Sometimes we need to take a time out and remember who He is. I like those "breathe" moments, because they help me to re-center.

    Love & peace,
    <>< Iris

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  6. Oh Joan,
    I pray that the move is coming together better than you had hoped. My heart goes out to you as I have moved many, many times. Breathe Precious One...GOD is your Director and Helper.
    Blessings~

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  7. Sweet Joan, I know what it is to be in a season of movement, having recently moved this past June. It nearly did me in. And now, cancer. Truly, I need the strength and peace of Christ like never before, and he is so faithful to supply all that I need.

    Not all at once, but daily as I need it. Keep leaning into his love for you; you will make it through.

    Blessed Sabbath rest to you.

    ~elaine

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  8. The Lord has been dealing with me for a while about being still before Him. This is a great post - sometimes it is hard to let go and let God be God, but we could sure save ourselves a lot of stress if only we would do that first.

    Blessings,
    Joan

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  9. Love this post Joan. In my busyness I can get overwhelmed too and forget to breathe, pause, selah and rest. xo

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  10. Thank you for this reminder. Here where I am living in South Africa, it is quite a challenge to find somewhere to be myself, where my batteries can recharge and I can be alone with just God. Even so, just being alone in my room for 5 or 10 minutes at a time can do wonders when I spend it with God.

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