Devotional for August

Does anyone remember that I set a goal in January to write a devotional each month? I think I made it to…. February.

But that’s the amazing thing about God! We are always allowed to come back, even when we fall short. I deeply believe that, in my life at least, I can find meaning in everything. What I am getting from this, and the message I’m now hearing loudly from others, is to take the time to stop- pause- breathe.

So this devotional is not so much on a full reading, but on some verses I am pulling about slowing down and resting.

(Spotify link to a playlist that helps me here!)

The full chapter of Jeremiah is about how the goodness of work can be polluted- but we are also told that rest is necessary. I think what we can also gather here is that without rest, we cannot have reflection, and reflection can allow us to check our behavior and recenter ourselves. Jeremiah prophesized the siege of Jerusalem and exile into Babylon.

In Matthew 11 we have Jesus answering John the Baptist – while the latter is imprisoned. Some have said this was, essentially, giving a eulogy for John the Baptist. From there we then have Jesus speaking on unrepentant towns, and then the above quoted item at the end. How do they all relate? In my opinion, much as the above, when one takes the time to rest- one can better hear the word. Had those unrepentant cities or even King Herod taken a moment to pause, then perhaps John and those cities would have been saved.

What are your favorite verses on rest? Please share them!