Frigid temperatures and biting winds ravage the mid-West and east coast of the United States. There is no doubting what season we are in: Winter.
The name ‘winter’ derives from an old Germanic word meaning “time of water” and refers to the high rain and snowfall that often accompanies this season.
Winter is a time for rest— a time for dormancy of crops and animals. The rest the winter season provides leads up to the next season of new growth.
During this winter season, what would happen if we watered and rested our minds and soul on Christ? The Apostle Paul wrote, these encouraging words in Philippians 4:4-9:
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
What new growth does God have planned for us if we simply rest, cease striving, and “Be still and know, that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)?
The notion of resting and being still is the concept I am embracing for 2018.
Resting and being still before the Lord is active work. It means setting aside a large portion of uninterrupted time to read and marinate in God’s Word. It also means being quiet before the Lord and listening to His voice. The mere act of being still contradicts our Western culture of bombarding noise, distractions, and busyness.
God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6) and His rewards are rest and peace.
Below are a few Scripture verses to jumpstart your watered rest. In addition, I recommend the book Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson.
Scripture of Rest
“They sought God eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest on every side.” (2 Chronicles 15:15)
Scripture of Watering
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.” (2 Samuel 22:17)
“Whoever brings a blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (Proverbs 11:25, ESV)
God is a rewarder of those who earnestly seek him. During this winter season, let us water and rest our minds and soul on Christ.
~April Dawn White
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All Scripture NIV unless otherwise specified.