A Heart Set Deep in God
I’m at rest this morning. I sit in the early-morning quiet of the living room, looking out the window. My spirit opens gently, like a butterfly’s wings, as I commune with God. Unspoken praise and gratitude flow from my heart to His.
I relish the respite while I can; it will flee soon enough. This moment feels still and peaceful, happy, alert, clear, and heavenly. It is well with my soul.
Rest has been on my mind lately. Not physical rest per say, although that’s important too, but rest as in Sabbath rest. I like how evangelist Henry Drummond described what I’m feeling:
Rest is not a hallowed feeling that comes over us in church; it is the repose of the heart set deep in God.
Henry Drummond 1851-1897
A heart set deep in God. I love the idea of that.
This type of rest is often elusive for me. Could thoughts of it filling my head be God’s invitation to better rest in Him? Seems a heart set deep in God would not wander so.
My prayer for myself —and you—are hearts continually set deep in God.
The LORD replied, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’
Exodus 33:24 (NIV)
Sabbath rest is not a one-day observance; rather it’s our everyday awareness of God’s presence in this world. Let’s make space for God to come alongside us on our journey. It’s what He desires, and He’s always available.
And as Norman Wirzba writes in Living the Sabbath – Discovering the Rhythms of Rest and Delight:
Insofar as we genuinely experience Sabbath, we catch a glimpse of eternity, a taste of heaven.
Norman Wirzba
Where and how do you best find rest in God? Wishing you a taste of heaven this week.
Such a beautiful picture of Godly rest rooted deep in Him. Thanks for the beautiful words of encouragement. May we all find such rest daily in our walk with Christ
Thank you, Yvonne. Daily rest in God is so good for us. It helps right our ship when we take time to do it.
Have a restful week!
Thank you Candyce. This topic has been renewed on my mind recently, so I loved reading your thoughts. Thank you!
Thank you, Sylvia.
I was glad to hear that our church college age group was discussing Sabbath rest recently. It’s something that we built into our culture in a way that may have become rote and meaningless in less stressful days. Now we must be intentional about it. We needed it then. We need it now.
I love the idea of doing that with young people. I never really grasped Sabbath rest until well into my adult years. Thought I always had to be “doing” -serving, leading, performing. How wonderful the change in perspective can be.
Candyce, the title drew me into this peaceful, yet powerful post. I find rest on my deck, spending time with God in the blues and greens of nature. Being outside minimizes my concern as I remember God made the clouds.
Thank you for that. We realize how insignificant our worries are when we sit in the vastness and beauty of God’s creation. Cloud gazing is good for soil rest.
When I quiet my heart and meditate on the truth of who God is, then I feel His rest. I’m learning to enter that place anytime–even in the midst of chaos.
That’s a marvelous place to be Annie and one that I struggle with. Times of chaos are when we most need to rest in God.
I find time spent in prayer is my best rest time. Otherwise my soul gets disturbed by the affairs of this world. Thank you for this reminder. I needed this message in this very moment.
Lisa Robbins
Authentic prayer a a fail proof path to resting in God. The affairs of our world can cause great anxiety and we can find peace only by giving our worries to God.
Candyce
Rest is not a one time event, so true. Everyday resting in Him brings us peace and freedom from anxiety.
What a beautiful message–rest in God does surely bring true restoration! I love that quote!
Thank you Kathy.
Amen Ms. Candyce. It’s when we rest in God that He restores us. Wonderful thoughts, of which I’ve had similar this week ma’am. Thank you.
We’ve been on the same wavelength, J.D. I’m ever thankful that God is still teaching me. He never stops molding and shaping us.
Your opening paragraph drew me in and your message of peace surrounded me. What beautiful word pictures you have shared! I find my best rest in God when I’m out in His wondrous creation. There is always something new to see–cloud formations, a lovely flower (or weed), animals scampering across the pathway, a gentle stream singing a lullaby…Loved your blog today!
Yes Katherine, and God’s creation is a constant reminder of His presence. Do you think he created all the beautiful things you mention—and more— to keep us aware of His nearness. You and I are a lot alike in our love for the outdoors.
“A heart set deep in God” makes me think of being planted. Rooted and grounded. That is where I experience true rest. Planted, rooted, and, grounded.
I love that, Terri. God is the giver of life after all, and to experience the full life Jesus came to give it stands to reason we must be firmly planted, rooted, and grounded in our source of life. Thanks for your insight!