Editor’s Note: For our Ordinary Time Devotional series, you will be hearing entirely from young authors. They will be sharing their perspectives on the theme, “God is in the streets.” Enjoy reading how the next generation of emerging GCI leaders experiences God outside the walls of the Sunday church gathering.
From the time I was a young child, I have found it easy to sleep during car rides. Do you? If not, what hinders you from falling asleep? Is it because you are uncomfortable? Or is it perhaps a lack of trust in the person behind the wheel?
It reminds me of the time Jesus Christ slept through a storm:
Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” Matthew 8:23-27 (NIV)
How often do we fully surrender ourselves to our God? It’s not always easy to ignore our worries and anxieties, and just take a moment to rest. Jesus reminded us how important it is to have faith that God already has a plan for us and that the Holy Spirit will guide and protect us. It is no use worrying about things that we cannot control. It is no use raging about the traffic or fretting about what you left at home. Let us learn to rest, to calm down, and converse with our triune God.
Prayer: Father, Jesus, and Spirit, we thank you that you are with us. We acknowledge your presence in every moment of our lives. We entrust to you all our worries and fears. Teach us to understand the power of rest. Teach us to have faith in your mighty plans that we may enjoy every breath we breathe as we worship you. Amen.
By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader
Bicol, Philippines
To “rest in the Lord” is something that, as a “type A” personality, I am still struggling to learn. To let go, trusting fully in God, is a quality denoting spiritual maturity. Thank you for the loving admonition.
The “power of rest.” Love it!