A Heart at Rest
“This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence:” I John 3:19
Today, I let the stresses of life and job get the better of me. Deadlines, interruptions, thwarted efforts -all culminated in me throwing up my hands and heading out for a walk. On the way to the walking trail, all I could do was listen to worship music and try to soothe my agitated soul. As I parked my car, I sang along to Jesus Culture’s “Holy Spirit”:
Let us become more aware of Your presence.
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness.
I began to walk along a country trail. Glad for the solitude, I attempted to quiet my soul in the presence of God. I walked by farmland, cows, rolling hills, all the while enjoying the twitter of birdsong from various birds. Finally! I felt my stress and tension ebbing away. Here! Here, I feel God. I experience His presence, His peace, His sweetness.
As I walk, I think of the simple lives of yesteryear, or even that of the Amish. I imagine how easy it would be to retain His peace in a more simple lifestyle. A life removed from constant technology and rushing.
My heart directs its thoughts to prayer, “Lord, why can I find you here, but not in the middle of a hectic work day?” All a sudden the song lyrics spring to the forefront of my mind. That’s it. I’m not aware of His presence. He is there. He is in the warbling of birds, the moo of cows, the gentle breeze in the shade on a hot summer’s day. But He is also present when one email after another sends my mind into sensory overload. He is also there when traffic is backed up on the way to a work appointment. He is there, but my sensitivity to His presence is dulled by the noisiness of life.
Setting our “hearts at rest in His presence” in this passage has more to do with keeping a clear conscience than keeping a clear mind. But still the words spring up in my mind as a lofty goal to aspire to- living my life in such rest of heart!
Oh God, help me to be more aware of Your presence. Help me to keep you front and center in all that I do. De-clutter my life, my thoughts, my heart! In Jesus’ matchless Name. Amen.
lovely post
What a powerful message, Sherri. You are right; He is there in the midst of our busy lives. We have to find a way to silence the loud world and tune in to His goodness.