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Warm
weather, bright sunshine, fragrant flowers, and green grass all point to
summertime. When we think of summer most
of us think of these things as well as vacation – whether we travel to some
distant place or stay at home. When we think
of vacation we may also think of rest, relaxing, exploring, or participating in
some adventurous activity.
To
be sure, summertime (and vacation time) is a time for all of us to rest and be
refreshed. Rest is important for our
lives because each one of us needs a breather and time for refreshment and
rejuvenation. However, sometimes we have
a “summertime attitude” with actions that keep us away from God. We may find ourselves involved in lots of
activity but at the same time we easily forget about the usual disciplines of
the Christian life that keep us in touch with God. As a result, we draw apart from God rather
than coming closer to Him.
If
this mind-set becomes part of our lifestyle during the summertime, we may find
that we become physically refreshed but we will also discover that our spirit
begins to dry up. That is why we need to
rest in God. The Psalmist clearly
proclaimed, “He
who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the
Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
This
verse suggests three points of encouragement that are extremely helpful to us and
should be practically applied to our lives. Obviously, the source of the
encouragement in this verse is God himself who is referred to as “the Most High”.
1)
Stay. First, an important
place for us to stay is next to God. To “dwell” means to stay, to reside, to settle, or to
live. If we are not in the position of staying,
we miss out on the best that God desires for us.
2)
Protection. Second,
we can enjoy the “shelter” that becomes a
sanctuary, a haven, or a refuge for us.
In that shelter we are shielded by God from the forces that would
destroy us and we are guarded by the Almighty.
3)
Relaxation. Third, to be
refreshed and recover the physical strength that has been depleted we need to “rest”. The
place where it is easiest for us to enjoy the rest that we need is right next
to God. In that position we can reside
in God’s shadow where we are safe from harm.
As
you and I enjoy the summertime this year let’s make sure that we do not forget
God. When we abide in God’s almighty
power, let’s not forget to praise Him for standing by us and providing the rest
and refreshment that we enjoy.