Living By Faith Blog

Awake

It’s been a while.  But it happened again yesterday morning.

I woke up.  Looked at the clock, and saw that it was waaaaaaay early.

So I rolled over — got into a more a comfortable position — and tried to go back to sleep.

Then it hit

Rapid-fire.  Out of the blue.  Fears, worries, doubts —

• What if my son can’t find a good car to buy?
• I’ve got to become a more effective pastor.
• What if no one comes to church today?

My heart is racing.  I’m wide-awake.

So I turn over, hoping that will help.  But it continues —

• What if today’s sermon is a flop?
• I’ve got to get more organized.
• Are we elders missing God’s leading?

What to do?

I’ve heard lots of suggestions —

“Think of something peaceful.”  “Just empty your mind.”  “Count sheep.”

But none of these help — and they ignore what Jesus says.

Listening to Jesus

Here’s what he says in Matthew 11:28-30 —

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

That was exactly what I needed to hear —

• When I am burdened, Jesus invites me to come to Him.
• Coming to Him means trusting what He reveals about the Father (see v.27).
• If I will come to Him, and trust what He reveals about the Father, He will give me rest.

What I did

So I came to Jesus.  I prayed and asked Jesus to give me rest so I could go back to sleep.

Then I thought of what Jesus teaches me about the Father — promises that answer my fears, worries, and doubts.

Here’s the ones that helped this morning —

“Everyone who asks receives” (Mat 7:7) — so I prayed that Brad would find a car — and trusted that God will either answer that prayer or do something even better.

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil 2:12) — He will help me be an effective pastor, and get more organized.

“For I know the plans I have for you — plans for good” (Jer 29:11) — so whatever happens at church and with the sermon is going to bring me great good in Christ.

“You make known to me the path of life” (Psa 16:11) — as we seek You for wisdom, you will help us elders lead Mercy Hill Church.

What happened

I prayed through every concern, resting each one in a promise from God’s Word.

Then I realized — my heart had stopped pounding.  My soul felt rest.  But I was still awake.

So I started praying for friends who don’t yet know Jesus.

Then —

I’m hearing music

Our alarm clock turned on the radio.  I look at the clock.  5:30.  Time to get up.

“Thank you, Jesus, for giving me rest.”

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(Picture by slipstreamJC at stock xchng.)