We were headed to Puerto Rico, just needing to take some time off. Sitting by a pool or on the beach sounded perfect. But getting ready for the trip was wearing me out. God spoke, “You can rest …” but He didn’t finish the statement right away, so I jumped right in with my own conclusion, “In Puerto Rico? I can rest in Puerto Rico?” But He continued, “…in our relationship.”
I have had an awareness of God’s ever-present presence in my life for almost as long as I have been a Christian. I once read a little book about practicing the presence of God. One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 73: 28 – But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. (NASB)
One time I was having a little conversation with God that went something like this: “God, I’m not really all that exciting to hang out with. Don’t you ever get bored with me?”
His quick answer was simply, “My child!”
I knew instantly what He meant that time. I love my own children far too much to ever feel bored in their presence. Isn’t it amazing that God loves us, His children, far too much to feel bored with us? I’m glad.
I’m glad about a lot of things. Like resting in His presence, and now this is like a further understanding of the concept – the idea that God wants us to rest in our relationship to Him. If I am resting in our relationship, then I know He is my Father, and I don’t have to worry about – well, about anything at all, really. Not what to eat, what to wear, where to go – not anything.
The Word tells us that we are now in right relationship to God because of what Jesus did for us: He did not hold back, but gave up His life to suffer and die for our sins – not His own, He was without sin, but for ours. And God forgave us because of that one act of supreme sacrifice, not because of any merit of our own.
My hope as you read this is that you know exactly what I mean – because you, too, are a child of the Father, through Jesus Christ, the Son. If you would like to read more about a living relationship with the One and Only God and Father, and the salvation He provided for you and me through the blood of the sinless Christ, I suggest Ephesians. Not just a verse or two, nor even a chapter – but all of it. You will be blessed.
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Very good article Sherri. Very inspiring and uplifting. I'm thankful for the times I was just allowed to "rest" in the presence of the Father, and be overfilled with His joy and grace...Randy Gene
