One of my other horses had to be rushed to the vet’s. So instantly, my resolve to rest in the Lord was tested. I had proclaimed my acceptance of God as God…he is sovereign, the ruler, I am the human subject. He is the potter, I am the clay. That was day 27. But by this day, I had been tested…for sure.

Day 28

This day’s reading had so much to soothe my heart and to encourage me. I can’t even begin to share all of the things that were impressed upon me.

The godly choices you make will infuse your life with greater joy and peace. (296)

Much of this day’s reading focused on Matthew 11:28-31,which says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I can literally say that this was like new…as if I had never read it before. I was feeling so weary from my concern about Doc (the first horse that is lame and hurting) and Harley (the second horse who is colicking…and horses can die from this)….Not to mention the pressure I was feeling about Christmas and other things that happen this time of year….and sadness, I guess, too. This year is sort of monumental. We have had many die in my extended family and sicknesses–so that getting together as a family is taking on a new meaning….I think it was all just beating me down somewhat.

So, in that context, I read about my Lord’s invitation to me to rest in Him.

This entire day was about surrendering…and allowing that peace and rest to invade my heart at it’s deepest place. I realize again that in the past, I might not have thought this had a whole lot to do with eating and releasing weight, but now it is so very obvious. When I take off on my own, something I am prone to do when I am weary, disappointed and feeling overwhelmed, it is then, I do my own thing in every way….and food is a part of that, clearly.

When we are not in accord with our Maker, we will find ourselves weary, worn down, anxious, depressed, or stressed. But when we cooperate with Him and His plan for us, we are energized. There is nothing more blessed than to walk in the good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ( page 300)

Words for me…that much is certain. There was more farther down on this same page, a quotation from Chuck Swindoll:

I want to walk in your strength, I want to give the pressure to you, to relax and to retreat to your power and care and I want to abide in Christ deliberately.

Again, perfect words for where I was in that moment.

He blesses the weary one who rests in Him.

On that note, I ended the day’s reading. It really was from the Lord to me…and set me up to focus again on the fact that God is God. I am not. And it really is better that way. 🙂