I think we’d all agree the world’s a bit crazy right now. It’s uncertain times for all of us. We’re bombarded with information, confronting photos and statistics, and many are facing the uncertainty of employment. It’s hard not to buy into the fear of scarcity as we scurry to fill our fridges, medicine cabinets and toilet roll holders.
For many of us the inner dialogue of worry and concern is driving an outer response. We feel the need to do something.
At the same time, we’re being asked to socially distance ourselves- to stay home as much as possible and to stop many of the normal routines of our lives. We are being asked to find a new rhythm.
I’ve felt the whisper of God calling to my heart in this stressful time- the reminder to ‘Be still and know that I Am God’ (Psalm 46:10), the sweet call to come closer, to lay down my worries and to find rest in the arms of My Saviour.
His invitation is always to come closer. To exchange our worries and cares for His peace and rest.
Jesus says to us today ‘Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.’ (Matthew 11:28-29)
Oh how my soul needs rest!
The message translation words it like this: ‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’ (Matt 11:28-29 MSG)
In this time of uncertainty we are all being asked to learn a new rhythm, whether we want to or not. We have a choice how we respond, we can continue to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, we can continue to be worn out tired and worried or we can come to Jesus, lay our burdens down and find a new unforced rhythm.
This rhythm comes as we look to Him, as we slow our outward pace as well as our inner pace. It’s a daily rhythm of giving Him our worries and concerns and taking on His rest and peace.
Last week I felt frantic, tired, worn out, emotional. I was given the gift of time and space with Jesus- it was only about 30 minutes but it changed everything. I went for a walk, slowed my pace (literally) and came to a place where I could be still and soak in the truth that He is God and He is here.
I heard His gentle and kind whispers to my soul and I was able to lay down my burdens, my fears, my messiness.
His invitation to come close changed everything! My soul found rest and peace that I had forgotten were mine to have.
We are so blessed that our Heavenly Father is not distant. He loves us and His heart is for us. He cares about us and invites us to come close and exchange our fears for His perfect love. His invitation is for you today. Come close, ‘cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.’ (1Peter 5:7)
His peace and rest is for you today.
Blessings!
Tammy
Abide 
Thank you Tammy for your timely reminder of the peace we can have through a Jesus .im so glad your back doing these blogs
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Thanks Noreen. Hoping my blog can be a place of encouragement and connection. Blessings to you xx
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Thank you for these words. Exactly what I need this morning. So glad you are writing again 🙌💝
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Thanks sweet friend. Always cheering me on. xx
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