*I* didn't put it there...honest...but I know who DID! Funny story--Recently, a friend of mine, after taking medication for a terrible migraine, cleaned up the kitchen and went to bed. The next morning, she was awakened by her amazed husband who opened the fridge and found therein the TOASTER! Well, we can blame it on the migraine or the medication...or a stress bump of some sort, to be sure. But don't laugh too hard--we've all got silly stories to relate--reminds me of the lady who wound up the cat and put out the clock!
Now you must understand that my friend is a very intelligent woman, with all of her mental faculties in fine, working order...she's reading this, so I'd BETTER say that...grin...and I'm sure she is not a bit surprised that a devotional, not a toasted bagel, is coming out of that VERY cool toaster today!
You see, we all live such busy, dizzy lives, it's no wonder that stress can turn us all into zombies at one time or another. We run around in circles between school, work, church, home--and then we run for the CHOCOLATE--"stressed-out, sugar-driven saints" that we are...or is it just ME? Certainly there MUST be a solution or SOMETHING to help us.
Of course, we can try all the sensible stress-relievers--we know all about aerobic exercise, proper nutrition, plenty of sleep, deep breathing, and more--but the REAL source of stress relief is not found in any one or all of these "body" remedies. The solution is not "something"--it is SOMEONE! It's found in the Lord who has made us body, SOUL and SPIRIT--and we only find rest when our souls and spirits rest in Him. He can bring peace to the spirit, calmness to the soul, serenity to the heart--and HE is all we need.
Now can we believe it, appropriate it--and find rest for our souls this day? Let's do it--and now, let's gently remove that toaster from the fridge, plug it in, place in it a big, beautiful bagel; toast it, spread it with creamy cream cheese and fresh strawberry preserves, and let the rest of the world go by! We've got a Friend with us today--and He's REST to our body, soul and spirit. Believe it--enjoy that blessed bagel--REST IN HIM and have a WONDERFUL day!
Delight in a Word from the Well--a refreshing in the Water of His Word
"Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10 KJV)."
Draw from the Well--a prayer for renewing strength for this day
"Lord, I live a very stressed-out life and I need help--YOUR help--today! Help me to be still in Your presence long enough to feel Your love, Your strength and Your grace. Give me wisdom to spend my day with You, knowing You live within my soul; You will lift up my spirit; You will touch my body--and YOU will replace the stress with Your presence and grace--I WILL make it, In Jesus' Name, Amen."
