So much to do, so little time. Each evening some of us lay our heads on our pillow and attempt to sleep guilt-free as we leave an unfinished to-do list. No wonder we have insomnia. It is most difficult to live from a place of resting in God. Rest must be a big deal to God, after spending six days creating the world, he rested. On the seventh day, “God had finished all the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work,” Gen. 2:2. God has made us to function best with adequate amounts of rest for our body, mind and soul. “No eye has seen no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” I Cor. 2:9
If you’ve ever had anxious questions, an over-thinking mind and an absence of inner peace, you need time with God. It is wonderful, to sleep, or sit and read, worship, listen, wait, focus on God – what amazing remedy. Within a few hours, it won’t matter whether or not you have answers to your questions. It gets you back to basics: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ “Matt. 22:37
As leaders, we understand how important it is for us implement the ‘Being Habits’ into our schedule. Even Jesus had to plan to make this happen.
“As Jesus moved through His season of earthly leadership, He was under constant pressure and temptation to get off course or respond to the failings of both His friends and His enemies. Jesus stayed on track with his mission by applying five key habits that countered the negative forces in His life:
- Solitude
- Prayer
- Study and application of Scripture
- Accepting and responding to God’s unconditional love
- Involvement in supportive relationships”
Lead Like Jesus pp 153-154
Notice ‘solitude’ is listed as number one? To carve out time for a time solitude requires a little planning, along with mental and spiritual discipline, time alone with God helps us learn to live from a place of resting in Him.
We can live in a peaceful place of union in the middle of stress by re-centering ourselves in Him. The way it works is as soon as we realize we have walked away from our place of peace (some people call it their happy place), we think, “How could I have strayed?” We all need a reality check. As soon as we see we are lost in the wilderness, we don’t walk, we run back to the Lord. ”The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Prov. 18:10
When we return to the presence of the Lord, we call on His name. This helps us reconnect with Him and we feel safe. It’s hard to form a new habit, but the effort is worth it. The more we return to Him, our resting place, the more peaceful and joyful our life will be. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
Everything goes back to loving and worshipping Jesus. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you.” Love God, Worship God. It’s ok to stop. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
We don’t have to leave our home to find solace. God is right here, waiting for us to turn to Him. He is our Sanctuary. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:1-3
Jesus modeled the habit of solitude and showed us how to live from a place of rest. You remember the Encounter experience? When we teach “The Habits of a Servant Leader – prior to dismissing the group for uninterrupted alone time for the Solitude Sending-Out Activity we ask them to quote aloud, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) (LLJ pg 159) We can do this anytime, anyplace and brings peace, ushering us into His rest. Why not connect with Jesus in the same way right now? Why not every day?
Let’s pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me, in the midst of my busyness and attempts to meet deadlines, you are the one who taught me what to do. I pray you would protect my times of solitude. I yearn to live from a place of resting in you. Thank you for the opportunity to return to rest in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Learn more about the being habits in Lead Like Jesus Revisited.
Exchanging hurt for hope is Sheryl Giesbrecht’s focus—a message she shares with audiences as a radio and television personality, author and speaker. A dynamic teacher and motivating leader, Giesbrecht has endured many changes and challenges, moving her to a deep faith, trust and dependence on God.
She served as Focus on the Family’s columnist for Pastor’s Wives for four years. Hundreds of her columns, magazine and devotional articles have appeared in Focus on The Family Magazine, Just Between Us, Discipleship Journal, CCM, Walk Thru the Bible’s – InDeed and Tapestry publications.
Giesbrecht’s radio show, “Transformed Through Truth” is nationally and internationally syndicated and heard daily by over 10 million listeners on networks across the United States. The Holy Spirit Broadcasting Network shares the show internationally on seven continents. “Transformed Through Truth” launched as a 30-minute internet television teaching feature in March 2017. To view this amazing teaching time, go to www.HSBN.tv.
Sheryl has a heart for missions and is avid about reaching out to the poor and needy, locally through the Rescue Mission and worldwide through various ministry partners. Giesbrecht is a Lead Like Jesus Facilitator and missionary with Freedom In Christ Ministries (www.FICM.org) and has been personally involved with equipping hundreds and facilitating the training of thousands of leaders internationally. Sheryl’s latest book is entitled It’ll Be Okay: Finding God When Doubt Hides the Truth.
The joys of Giesbrecht’s life are her children and thirteen grandchildren. She is excited about the new beginning she shares with her marriage to Dr. Jim Turner. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts from Biola University, a Master’s in Ministry and a Doctorate of Theology.
Learn more about Sheryl Giesbrecht on her website, www.sherylgt.com. She also invites readers to follow her on Facebook, and on Twitter (@SGiesbrecht).
