In keeping with our Lifesprings International annual tradition of celebrating a month of Sabbath rest, we invite you to join us for the month of August (which we call Breather Month) to intentionally set aside times of rest with God. We will take a break from our regular rhythms of meetings and gatherings and set aside time to be with God, perhaps exploring practicing spiritual disciplines, taking time for a nature walk, to enjoy God’s creation, enjoying extended time of listening prayer, and scripture meditation, focusing on resting with God. Our writers reflections will describe personal testimony of sabbath rest based on a scripture of their choosing. We invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection.
Listen:
But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131:2)
“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14)
Reflect:
My mother passed away early this year and my heart still hurts. She was a joyful presence, a voice of wisdom and a place to rest. She kept track of us, her children, cared about our lives and always wanted to know when we made it home safely. It felt good to hear her voice and know that, even at 91, she had me on her mind. Since her death I have felt a sadness creep in next to me, a void and longing. I am a child of God in need of consolation.
Have you suffered a loss? Are you a child of God in need of comfort? I don’t pretend to have answers, just my own story and the sense
that what we ALWAYS need and what ALWAYS brings deep rest to our souls is to see and be seen by God.
When I bring myself to Jesus in slowed spaces I find a place to feel my life and lean on Jesus. I can REST as I LEAN and let Him LOVE me. I see Jesus as I take deep breaths and ask myself to calm and receive His presence. I see His heart as I read the Gospels, put myself in the scenes and allow the familiar stories to speak fresh life to me.
In stillness and quiet I can feel my good Shepherd seeing me, knowing me and breathing shalom over my sadness.
Jesus keeps track of us through all our hellos and goodbyes. So, as I grieve the loss of my mom today, it’s with tears and gratitude for Jesus. He is my Shalom, “the peace that is upon me”, my safe home and cherished place of rest.
Prayer of Response:
“Lord, I thank You for faithfully accompanying me all the time and everywhere. Your presence is a comfort and strength to me. Amen.”
Questions to Ponder:
- Are you tired and in need of a safe place to rest and heal?
- How do you lean on Jesus?
- What helps You enter His presence?
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale(Breathe in): Shepherd Jesus
Exhale(Breathe out): I receive Your presence
(Repeat)
—Submitted by: Judy Villanueva
Judy lives with her husband in Colorado,. She completed her masters at Fuller Theological Seminary, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Spiritual Director, and writer. Her Bible reflections can be found on judyvillanueva.com/blog