Happy Saturday!

I’m writing a bit earlier tonight! Today was back to work as usual for Geni and Travis. After the big Friday night it was a bit tough for them to get up and get to work, but they did!

Prayer: Father, You are the God who answers prayer. You are a very present help in times of trouble. Father, You are gracious. You are righteous and You are merciful. I praise Your name this morning! You set my feet upon the rock, so I will not be moved. You are my shield, my strength, my shelter, and my strong tower. Amen.”

Psalm 116: 5-7 “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, and Our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to Your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.”

As our family faces all of the changes in our very near future with Bruce’s heart cath and surgery in June (providing nothing imminent occurs on Thursday’s procedure.) my retirement, and Geni and Travis’s future plans and dreams, we are counting on a faithful God. Based on a faithful God, the psalmist calls his soul to rest.

When our children were quite small we put them down for naps. But I never remember any of them running up to us begging, “Can I pleeeeeeease take a nap?” Even though they never asked we knew they needed to rest at regular times. We actually held onto the Sunday-after- church-nap for a long time. Adults need regular times of rest, too. Right now it seems that rest is something we all remember. But I think the psalmist is thinking more about rest from worry and stress within his soul.

At some point we must rest. The way to rest from worry and stress is through surrender to the one who can give rest. We must remember how faithful God is to us even when are not so faithful to Him. We are unfaithful when we do not give our cares, worries, hard and tough times to God. When we believe we can do all of these things through our own strength we are giving in to the sinful idolatry of self reliance.

In truth we need to give our weary souls to God, turning off the noise of our fast working brains and listening to the still small voice of God. Jesus welcomes all who are weary and heavy laden to find rest in Him. Sing the old hymn, “Just have a little talk with Jesus. Tell Him all about our sorrows. He will hear our anxious cry and answer by and by.” Give God your burdens and then LEAVE THEM THERE!

Take joy in the journey. Pray for Bruce as he prepares for the procedure on Thursday. Wear comfortable shoes. Count your blessings and say your prayers. Remember that God is in our midst during times of trouble through the power of the Holy Spirit. See you in worship. Love you all, Bruce, Gaylene, Geni and Travis.

Gcapplenotes@aol.com

I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe and I believe God.