Rest In Forgiveness…

“We all need sanctuary, a secure place, where protection rains and comfort is received. Sanctuary is not simply a place; it’s a state of being. There, we find a sense of security and peace that flows from our connection to God. Sanctuary is where we lay down our fight and rest.” (Sacred Rest, pg 67)

---

I've been reading a chapter a day of the book Sacred Rest. It is such an easy read, but boy, it has given me a lot to think about!! It has made me think about how and why I am not rested in spirit. As I was reading the other day, this thought came to me…

One of the main spaces of unrest in my life is when I believe someone owes me something.

Maybe they technically do, but my response is mostly based on what I think I deserve based on what I’ve done or who I am. I know…it sounds pretty arrogant, but it’s true. I lose a lot of sleep and everyday rest, thinking about what people — including myself — could have done differently. What a pitiful waste of time!!

The basic definition of this thought process is self-pity.

The spiritual definition is pride and unforgiveness.

“Forgiveness is the key out of the dungeon

of spiritual torment and emotional hell.” Unknown

I heard this quote several years ago, and it stuck with me. I realized that the process of forgiveness is long and painful. Forgiveness requires the repetitive motion of confession and surrender. We can go to that place of rest by believing that Jesus -- the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..the author, and the ultimate display of forgiveness -- is the sanctuary...Jesus is the key!

After reading the other day, I heard the song "Lord, I Need You." The words were so clearly the prayer I need to pray! People are hard...sometimes they make mistakes, but sometimes, some people set out to tell lies and create division. Either way, we need Jesus to help us respond according to the character and heart of the Father.

If we do not call on Him, we cannot rest in Him.

I am praying for you, sweet girl...the one who has made it this far in the post and feels every bit of her need to forgive but inability to do so.

"[The] Lord of all richly blesses all who call on him. For everyone who calls

on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:12-13

“God, how precious your thoughts are to me; how vast their sum is! If I counted them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; when I wake up, I am still with you. God, if only you would kill the wicked — you bloodthirsty men, stay away from me  — who invoke you deceitfully. Your enemies swear by you falsely. Lord, don’t I hate those who hate you and detest those who rebel against you? I hate them with extreme hatred; I consider them my enemies. Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” ‭‭Ps‬ ‭139‬:‭17‬-‭24‬ ‭

---

“Lord, I come, I confess. Bowing here, I find my rest. Without You, I fall apart. You're the one that guides my heart…Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more Where grace is found is where You are. And where You are, Lord, I am free. Holiness is Christ in me.”