Rest and Refresh

I know many of you have been through seasons of unexpected change and transition where the challenge has taken its toll. I see how weary and weighed down you have become. My heart is filled with compassion, for I will not have My Bride ‘running on empty’ where physical and spiritual resources are depleted and capacity is spent. Amid weariness and exhaustion of soul, not only do I give you permission, but I invite you to come to Me, to lay it all down and to rest.

Resting in Me is more than slowing down and stopping activities for a short while. To rest in My Presence is to lean with your whole being into Me. To trust in My goodness. To trust in My ways, which are higher than yours. To trust in My solutions and perfect timing to see all things work together for good. To rest in Me is to let go and breathe!

Let me remove those burdens that are no longer yours to carry and that weigh you down. Bring to Me your cares and concerns. Cease from striving, where worry and anxiety can overwhelm.In this place of rest, allow Me to refresh you and bring ease to your soul. Let me breathe fresh life into the dry places, restoring joy where it has been robbed. I will pour fresh oil over you to empower you with strength. Come to Me and rest so that times of refreshing may come.

Activation:

If you can, respond to the Lord’s invitation by setting aside time over the coming days to sit with Him and worship. As you do, notice how the things that have been creating pressure and stress dissipate in His presence. In prayer, or by writing a letter or journal entry give to the Lord all your cares, concerns and unanswered prayers. Take deep breaths. Thank Him for His goodness and love. Receive by faith fresh oil, drinking deeply of His presence. Do this as much as you can until you feel refreshed and restored.

Psalm 23: 1-3 (AMP)

 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], I shall not want. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and quiet waters. He refreshes and restores my soul (life); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Matthew 11:28 (AMPC)Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]