This is a real challenge of grit and courage as I am a perfectionist (working on that one) who normally writes and writes, edits and edits...writes... until I am happy with something and ready to publish it.
Even then, it goes our with heart-in-mouth concern and angst, heavily dosed with prayer.
Now, I have to write for 5 minutes flat on the subject of 'Rest' - no editing, no over-thinking, no backtracking. Deep breath..you can do this..here goes..start the clock..
In a life constrained by chronic sickness it may seem that resting is all I do.
Though my body may be still and inactive for long periods, my mind is an ever-whirring clock ticking on relentlessly.
Times of real rest and refreshment only come when I pause to soak in God's presence.
With His Spirit hovering within and without me I find my thoughts calmed and stilled.
With His Spirit hovering within and without me I find my thoughts calmed and stilled.
He becomes my focus.
Other concerns fade and pale into insignificance for those few moments of connection.
Other concerns fade and pale into insignificance for those few moments of connection.
During the day I snatch hungrily at little seconds of conversation.
Our souls need the restful watering of His love and grace that He desires to pour upon us.
Our souls need the restful watering of His love and grace that He desires to pour upon us.
We are dry, empty, thirsty vessels without it.
The world's cacophony, noise and chaos only serve to drain us of peace and rest.
The world's cacophony, noise and chaos only serve to drain us of peace and rest.
Come away - sit with Him and learn to be still and know that He is God.
You won't regret finding an oasis of calm in the midst of busyness...
You won't regret finding an oasis of calm in the midst of busyness...
Phew! Clock stopped. Adrenaline subsiding. Doesn't the time go quickly? Five minutes feels so short. Nevertheless, something is written and I hope it will bless you.
Linking up here with Lisa-Jo Baker and Five Minute Friday blog hop.
Do hop over and join in the fun!'
I love what you've done in five minutes:) And the image of God as an oasis of calm? I needed this today. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Kimberly! Most of what God graces me to write is spoken as a personal lesson first and foremost. Be at rest in Him :)
DeleteGreat five minutes, Joy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement, Eileen. I really appreciate it. Bless you :) xx
DeleteBeautiful and so very true! Love this
ReplyDeleteSo pleased it spoke to you, Ruth. Be blessed with His peace :)xx
DeleteFive gracious minutes! Woderful un-edited writing!
ReplyDelete"seconds of conversation"...I call them "soul moments" spread throughout the day to nourish my soul!
Blessings, Joy!
Katina Vaselopulos
Thank you very much, Katina. God is so good and gracious to give me such a message in 5 minutes. Think it's probably first-timer help to encourage me to trust Him that words will come without the labouring! I might feel brave enough to have another go one day :)xx
DeleteDear Joy
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel about our compulsory rest because of chronic illness. But to truly rest, the way our Pappa God wants us to rest, we need to abide in Him. I battle at times with guilty feelings about not being able to do much! Over via FMF.
Much love XX
Mia
Fully agree with you, Mia. Our rest is far more than a ceasing from physical activity. Only by abiding in Him do we gain rest, refreshment and strength to go on. Sharing in the guilty feelings too! Think it might be enhanced by societal expectations of achievement as a sign of strength, worth and value. Learning to let go of that is hard for us. Rest well in Him, my friend. Blessings and peace :)xx
DeleteOn a day of chaos and frustration when all I want to do is stop, I find this - A hugely productive 5 mins reading that restores my soul. Bless you Joy!
ReplyDeleteDear Mandy, I am really awed and grateful that God used my 5 minute offering to bless you so much. Sometimes a few minutes in His presence is enough to restore peace and equilibrium for a while. Hope you are in a stronger place now. Love and blessings in abundance :)xx
DeleteAmen to that! Beautiful piece of writing, Joy. :) And yes, quite a coincidence that we wrote on a similar angle! :) God bless.
ReplyDeleteHi Lois. I am honoured by your visit. Thanks very much for being curious enough to check out my post! I appreciate your sweet comment. God bless :)
DeleteOh joy, yes. the world's cacophony drains us of peace and rest. It's that hamster-wheel thing again; constantly running to stand still. Why do I search everywhere for peace when it's freely available if only I stop and turn to Him? I spend my life trying to please everyone around me and constantly falling short when there is only one opinion that matters.
ReplyDeleteThis post struck a chord today. Stop the world! I want to get off!
Thank you Joy. Wonderful inspiring post and all in five minutes!
Yes, so true for me too, Helen. How easily we forget to turn to God when we should. He greatly desires to help and bless us far more than we ever know. As you so rightly say, "there is only one opinion that matters". I am really thankful for your wise words here. Be blessed and strengthened for the journey as you rest in Him :)xx
Delete