Soul Kitchen

Today’s one of those days that I feel slightly disconnected with everyone around me and just want to be still. It’s one of those days that I really don’t feel like being around anyone but need to spend time with God to fill my heart once again. I get that sometimes where I just feel alone… I’m surrounded by my family and friends… I know who’s praying for me…. I know there’s someone a phone call away… yet I desire to be still.

I feel guilty when I get these moments. Isn’t my life as a Christian supposed to be filled with constant joy and praises? Am I always supposed to be feeling God’s nearness and embrace? Should I always be trusting in Him and never doubt?

Rest… rest in Jesus….

A friend told me once that there are times in our lives when we just need to rest in Jesus. I never knew what that meant because what had always been modeled to me was that I had to be thinking about Jesus every second of the day and have Him first and foremost in my mind. I was taught to incorporate Jesus into all my words, actions, songs. I wasn’t allowed to do anything without Jesus. I learned to “throw Jesus” into almost every sentence I said. It all sounded good but that’s not always how my heart felt. It became a routine for me.

Rest… rest in Jesus…

For me resting in Jesus is just exactly how I’m feeling today…. knowing He’s near me… He knows my heart… my thoughts… my prayers…. It’s okay for me to not vocalize them out loud but to be still and draw near to Him. To have quiet time with God… no conversation…just knowing He’s near… soaking in on who He is and how he’s blessed me.

Psalm 62:1 says “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.”

Psalm 91:1 & 2 says “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “he is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

I think of an oak tree whose branches reach out providing shade. That to me is what I picture when I think about dwelling in the shelter of the Most High and resting in the shadow of the Almighty. This protective beautiful place where we are drawn in by its beauty and shade. A place you just want to stay near because of what it all offers.

God promises refuge. I trust this God and know this with all my heart… God knows my heart too.