WEEK SIX: Rest

Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Opening Thoughts:

Friends, here on the farm harvest season is underway, which means days are long and nights are short. When the weather is good, work must be done. As a farmer’s wife this means tasks I don’t do on a regular basis. I’m driving a tractor, moving wagons and checking bins… jobs that don’t come naturally.

The other day, the busyness in the field got the best of me. My work in the house was not getting done and my frustration level just kept getting higher. After nearly getting stuck in a muddy field, I expressed my emotions and shared a few complaints with my husband and young son.

Job listened and asked, “What else do you need to do?” I shared that I had to get this intro done for the Bible study. He questioned, “What’sthe theme this time?” I responded, “Rest. We need to be still and know He is God.” My little man thought I was talking to him and said, “I know that!” I simply replied, “Me too, but sometimes I forget.”

A Word of Encouragement:

I wish I could say the above wasn’t a true story, but it is. Sometimes the daily demands and seasonal pressures get the best of me. There are moments I get caught up in the busyness of life and ways of this world. My attention can drift and my heart can wander. These are not easy things to admit, but they are the reality I live with… how about you?

This is exactly why this chapter is so important. Resting in God’s presence and on His promises changes our perspective. Remembering who God is helps me be content with who I am. Trusting in God’s Word brings peace even in the midst of chaos. Knowing that God is powerful and able strengthens me when I am weak.

As you go through the lesson this week I pray you are able to rest. I trust you will learn more about a topic we all need and be encouraged to exercise a practice that can be challenging, bu tis so critical!            

Closing Questions:

Let’s start simple:

  • Do you find it hard to rest? Why or whynot?
  • How do you be still?

Going a bit deeper:

  • What did you learn about the rest Jesus has to offer?
  • Have you taken Jesus yoke? What difference has that made inyour daily life?
  • Share your take-away from this chapter.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me be still and know you are God. I’m grateful to know you, but pray for a heart that knows you more. Open my eyes so I can see. Tender my heart so that I receive all you have for me as I study your Word. Show me who you are Lord. As I get to know you more, help me make you known. In Jesus’ Name, Amen