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The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
Have you noticed a gradual change in our society over recent years? The change is that summer time is now a hectic time instead of a relaxing time!
It used to be that 'summer' was a time when our schedules slowed down, relaxing evenings were spent on the front porch, and the big event for the summer was Vacation Bible School at church. But not anymore...summer means getting an extra job, working overtime, shipping our kids to various camps (cheerleading, soccer, baseball, etc.). Our families are going a hundred different directions and it seems that all we do is Rush! Rush! Rush! When summer is over and school resumes...exhaustedly we sigh..."We need to rest!"
In the busyness of life we need periods of rest and reflection. So, where do we find this place of rest? Matthew 11:28 gives us a clue, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
In this passage from Matthew, the word 'rest' comes from the Greek word 'anapauo' - which means "calm, comfort, and refreshment." Doesn't that sound wonderful right now??!!
If your life is fast-paced and you find that you are constantly rushing around - what a blessing to have access to rest! Calm, comfort, and refreshment (a place to rest) is always only a prayer away.
Praying keeps us calm, like the stillness in the eye of a storm.
Praying comforts us, reminding us of God's goodness and His availability to us.
Praying refreshes us, giving us renewed energy and strength.
This summer...take time to REST!
Lean on the words of that familiar old hymn...
"There is a place of quiet rest...near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest...near to the heart of God.
Oh Jesus, blessed Redeemer, sent from the heart of God.
Hold us who wait before Thee...near to the heart of God."
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
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