“This looks like a thoughtful spot to rest,” said Pooh. Winnie the Pooh knew Christopher Robin would come for a visit, so he sat at the edge of the meadow on the log beneath the tree to wait and rest.
These are trying days in all the ways that days can be trying. Are you at rest like Pooh, knowing in your knower that our strong and faithful God is watching over us?
Some days, I can answer positively, but if I’m honest, some days my thoughts are more like Tigger. I’m bouncing, trouncing, flouncing, and pouncing from here to there and back, lost in the fog of the emotions that so easily come… the thoughts and wonderings of the unknowns… is that a Heffalump?
Since July 1, when budget cuts resulted in my position of ten years going way because of plummeting worldwide sales due to the pandemic, there have been more days than I care to admit where I’d relate more to Eeyore, the gloomy, doomsday spreading donkey.
To my family and friends, I’ve tried hard to be Kanga, the motherly, full-of-faith character in the story, whose calming words bring peaceful answers to little Roo’s questions and who always has a kind word of encouragement for Piglet. Again, there have been Piglet days for me as well, when fear reared its ugly head and caused doubt and trembling in the depths of my mind, will and emotions. Can you relate to Pooh or his friends?
My soul has had so many trying days. Has yours?
As a wife, Mama, and Mimi held together by God’s grace, peace has come for me when I purpose to find a thoughtful spot to rest, to be still, and know that HE is God. You see, I’m most at rest in reciting the wonders of His great faithfulness I see morning by morning. I’m being transformed by the renewing of my mind to be more like Jesus when I am on prayer walks or when I'm spending time in the Word by reading and worshiping.
Formed in His ways through Scripture, songs, silence, intentional conversations with encouragement, and prayer with our Formation family each week, I’m strengthened in the purpose of my mission to share Jesus with those the Holy Spirit brings my way. I’m becoming more like Jesus when I choose self-care and nap, when I mow my yard (and the neighbor’s) - not necessarily for the exercise, but to give the angst-filled energy building up inside of me an outlet!
Our good Father won’t waste one thing we offer as a sacrifice to Him. He will never let us down, never allow us to be pushed past our limits, and He will gently lead us through. Friends, these days will end, and there will be redemption on the other side. Selah.
As Christopher Robin always came, always listened, and brought comfort to those who lived in the Hundred Acre Woods, our “But God” is nearer than we know, and He isn’t afraid to hear our deepest fears, hopes, or dreams. He’s okay with walks where the conversation sounds like Eeyore’s words, “…days, weeks, months; who knows?”
Our “How long, oh Lord?” laments don’t scare Him off, rather He draws nearer,
much like Kanga brings little Roo closer. Unlike the old Owl who could only try in his oft confusing way to offer help, our Father speaks words of wisdom, and brings His peace and hope.
In these trying days, I want to be transformed through Coram Deo, living before the face of God, knowing He sees me, woos me, understands me, smiles down at me, sings over me, loves me, and guides me with His eyes. Today, I’m choosing to find a thoughtful spot to rest, to recognize and understand that He is still the one true God who will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.
Will you join me? Let’s be like Pooh and find a thoughtful spot to rest today.
The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd,
and I always have more than enough.
He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.
His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss.
That’s where he restores and revives my life.
He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along
in his footsteps of righteousness, so that I can bring honor to his name.
Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness,
fear will never conquer me, for you already have!
You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way.
Your authority is my strength and my peace.
The comfort of your love takes away my fear.
I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.
Psalm 23:1-4 | The Passion Translation
“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day!” said Pooh.
FORMED
God is calling us, the people of Irving Bible Church, to become a multi-ethnic movement of missionary disciples, formed in the way of Jesus for the sake of the world.
We want to be a transformed people who experience vibrant spiritual growth together. We want the Spirit of God to shape us more and more into the likeness of Jesus as we follow him.