Summertime

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.