I couldn’t wait to cross the finish line. Complete the project. Reach the goal.

I had worked so hard. Busied my beat-up body to the bones in effort to accomplish the giant undertaking of writing my first 55,000 word manuscript. And I was overjoyed at the mere thought of nestling up in the escape of a good book, taking leisurely afternoon strolls with Mike, and breathing in deep draughts of life till peace restored my weary walk.

It sounded fabulous. I could hardly wait. 

And I did it. Submitted the message. Check. Praise God, right?

But then I sabotaged the sweetness that could’ve, should’ve been. With more plans, more unnecessary tasks, more ping-pong blindfolded busyness. Void of peace, minus rest, and full of anxious worn-down aimless striving.

Have you ever done anything like this? Built up anticipation over finishing some “thing” or reaching some destination with billowing excitement about finally resting, spending more time with your people, and soaking in more of God‘s blessings and fine fruits. Only to surge beyond, keep stacking your plate full, and feel the compounding weight press on. 

Why do we do this? And how do we fix it? Answer one, Satan. Answer two, God.

The enemy. Loves to see you stressed, weary, and spinning in a frenzy. And he works his tail off to make sure of it all. Because he wants nothing more than to keep us far from God. From his presence, and all his good gifts. 

God. Our time, heart, and mind, surrendered to him, is the “how” to fight back. To cut out the craze and to recharge once and for all. To find the restoration you were working towards. That you knew you needed. That you and I both need… today.

At long last, let’s stop the busy, and soak in his blessings.

Reflect: 

Will you recommit with me, to reset with him? Right now, as I write, I am with you. Praying this prayer…

Pray:

Lord God, you are so full of good gifts. You allow me to team up with you in assignments in life that are designed perfectly for me. To matter and make a difference in your kingdom. Thank you. Forgive me for trying to run faster than, or past you at times. Forgetting to rest and pause in your presence long enough to refill my soul. In stillness, and in deep dependence. On you. Help me do that at this moment. To pause, be still, linger. And trust that you never stop working. Grant me joy and peace in the treasures you place in my path. That I may notice them, pick them up, and allow them, allow you, to refresh me. Your beloved. In your son’s mighty name, Amen.

Seek the Word:

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9–10)

One last (and exciting) thing…

My dear friend Rachael Adams launches her new book, “A Little Goes a Long Way,” TODAY! Whether you’re longing to find more purpose in your days ahead, or feel significant right where you are, Rachael shares that and more in her devotional. Her touching personal stories are eye-opening, her scriptural examples reveal our impactful role in God‘s great kingdom, and her teaching-specific tasks plant seeds of how to live with richer meaning. Each devotion left me blessed with a confidence in my contributions, a deeper sense that every little thing I do matters, and that all of it is important to God. What a gift this book will be to all! Grab a copy on Amazon today. Click here!

Have a blessed week! 

Your friend,

Keri Ann

P.S. To receive my bi-weekly devotional via email sign up for my “Free Gift” at Keri-ann.com/freegift!

& Check out my podcast, “FAITH-FUELED: Devotions with Keri Ann” for my bi-weekly audio devotions! Click here!