You save humans and animals alike, O Lord. Psalm 36:6

Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Mathew 6:26

After a particularly busy morning, I said to myself, ”Joan, you need to rest.” I sat down in my recliner, put my feet up and proceeded to do just that.  Then I prayed,” Lord, thank you for rest.”

Rest is one of the things we do every day, just like eating, and we take it so for granted.  When God designed us, he gave us arms and legs and a fully functioning body.  Then He gave us rest because He knew we would need it.  So we sit down to rest or we take a nap or we go to bed for the night.  Simple thing and yet sacred because It is one of His gifts to us.

What is it that sometimes disturbs our rest and our peace?  A personal problem, the state of the world, political unrest in our country, COVID-19?  All valid problems to worry about, to be fearful of.  And yet Jesus tells us not to worry about anything, instead bring everything to Him in prayer.  It takes me time and mature faith to let go and give everything to Him.  But I do know He is there to give support, to strengthen me, to hold me.   

“May God bless our worrisome hearts and help them to be less fearsome, more free, more peaceful.” * 

God of peace, you provide us with all that we need.  Increase our faith and trust in you.  Thank you for being with us no matter the problem or situation.  Help us to rest in peace.  Amen  

Joan Perlich  

* Quote from Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment by Joyce Rupp                                           

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