Rest in GodНамуна

Rest in God

Okay, confession time. Neither resting nor being patient is easy for me. Are they easy for you?

I’m trying to give myself more open-heartedly to both. I understand that, underneath, my self-reliance and wanting to see my prayers answered quickly is a lack of trust in God’s timing.

I’ve been leaning into some ancient practices of Christian faith that are allowing me to welcome the slow, deep work of God. I’m discovering the value of eliminating hurry and busyness – choosing times of silence and solitude to simply be in God’s presence and notice God in nature – no agenda, no requests, just presence.

I have to say my friends laughed when I told them I was going on a silent retreat. I’m the one who says, ‘Friends always have more to say’. But that was where I started to allow God into the quiet spaces of my heart in a process of spiritual formation.

Until I started seeking to give everything to God daily, I’d go to bed feeling there was more I could have fitted into my day to show God’s love to someone else. On that first retreat, I slept so deeply and even slept in, and I realised I was tired, soul weary. I’m not sure if I was burnt out, but I think I was close.

I couldn’t say that I have found that constant rest in God and patience to wait in every situation, but I’m more aware and peaceful these days. I’m also very thankful that our God is patient with us all and keeps the offer open to come and rest our hearts with Him.

Written by KATH HENRY