A safe place to rest
Last week, we took a break from our busy schedule to rest a bit on the porch. The fall day was perfect–warm, but not hot and a gentle breeze. As we sat there soaking up our blessings, a butterfly came to rest on my husband’s knee. She’d found a safe place to rest.
We thought she would flit away after a few moments, but she rested for long minutes. Her wings drifted up and down in slow motion. We stared, fascinated that she seemed so at peace as she rested on his knee.
Our safe place to rest
Where do we find our safe place of rest?
Our Bible is filled with many messages of God’s assurance of His protection.
If we dwell in God’s presence, He will be our safe place, our refuge.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:1-4)
God is our mighty rock, our place of rest.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock, and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. (Psalm 62:5-7)
God’s people will live in peace, security, and undisturbed rest.
The LORD’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in a fertile field. The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. (Isaiah 32:16-18)
God’s word grants more than a safe place to rest. We are promised:
- Rest in the shadow of the Almighty
- Refuge
- Protection
- Hope
- Salvation
- Peace
- Security
What a mighty God we serve!
Our butterfly visitor eventually tired of her perch and flew away. Her quiet interlude with us brought joy and peace. As she rested so peacefully on my husband’s knee, she reminded us of the gift of rest–a gift that is sometimes hard to find.
And we pondered our blessings.
Thank you, loving Father.
Where do you find rest and peace?
Whether it’s personal busyness or external influences, rest is often hard to experience. The best part of your post was to see the promises we can have if we rest. Rest then becomes a choice and when we see the value you presented, why wouldn’t we choose rest? Thank you.
I ask myself that question, too, Marilyn–why is it so difficult for me to seek rest when I know my Father approves and encourages it? He doesn’t want us to wear ourselves out with constant tasks. Scripture (and the good sense God gave us) reminds us to rest, spend quiet time with God, reflect and meditate on His Word, and praise Him for His blessings. Thank you for your encouragement.
I’m so thankful for moments of quiet and rest wherever and whenever I can find them. I love these pictures, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. I’m thankful for quiet rest with God and for the many blessings and lessons He shares with us through his Creation. Blessings!
Wonderful post, Katherine. I find peace in memorized Scripture. They’re like go-to’s when life is in turmoil. One of my faves: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3
I love the verse from Isaiah you share with us, Priscilla. Only He can grant us perfect peace. Like you, I find comfort and peace in memorizing scripture–it just gets harder as I get older. Wishing you a blessed week.
Thank you for this beautiful message. I find comfort and calm when I rest in His promises and love. I’m thankful for God’s creations and how they impact us in wonderful ways. Butterflies are amazing. Have a blessed week! 🙂
We are so blessed, aren’t we, Melissa. I agree, butterflies are so lovely and the sight of one always brings a smile. Wishing you a blessed and joyful week as well.
The Scripture you use is so comforting, Katherine. I found rest reading it. Great capture with your camera!
My husband snapped the picture of the butterfly. It took several attempts to get one really clear. She was almost constantly moving her wings so gently up and down. We were amazed that she seemed so at peace. I love those lessons God sends through his Creation. I needed the reminder to rest in Him. Wishing you a happy week, Candyce, filled with sunshine and joy.
We had a similar experience with a lovely moth. While we rested on a park bench after a rigorous climb up a hill, the moth perched on my daughter’s shirt, moved to her camera, returned to her shirt, and then to the back of her neck. The moth was content to rest along with us. I find rest and peace being outside in nature and inside with worship music playing. Sometimes I combine the two!
I’m so glad you shared this memory, LuAnn. Sounds like a beautiful moth and a fun experience for your family. Like you, I find great joy in nature and your idea of combining a walk in God’s creation with worship music is great!
What a beautiful moment with a great lesson. May we always find time and a place to rest in our Savior. Thank you Katherine
I agree, Yvonne, it’s up to us to seek rest in our Savior–and when we do, He will grant it. Peace and blessings!
We just enjoyed a few restful days at the beach. Unplugging, pulling away from the busy routine is a key for finding rest. Spiritually, when I pull away from the craziness around me and center myself in Jesus, that’s where my soul finds rest.
I agree, Terri. I’m so glad you got away for a few days. We’re looked forward to that same rest in a few weeks–much needed! I hope you can carry that “unplugging” on throughout this week; or at least the spiritual renewal you found. Blessings!
I’m in a very busy season and feel like I need more rest than I’ve been getting. Thanks for this message. God bless, Katherine!
I feel your pain, Nancy! Hope you can find some rest and renewal soon. Wishing you peace and blessings.