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A Word for the Coming Year





Fall is here!  This season seems to be a big hit with many blogger friends.  In the east, the leaves are beginning to turn and I’m enjoying the photos many are posting of their fall decorations.  We, here in the southwest, are growing pumpkins.  We have one that is a perfect round shape, still green but getting big.

Aside from the relief of hot Arizona weather, I like fall because my favorite Jewish Roots teachers, Perry Stone and Larry Huch, demonstrate how the fall Jewish holidays compliment Christianity.  My favorite teaching is about Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  Although it’s not the New Year on the calendar, I always take the challenge and get away with the Lord, waiting to see what He’ll say to me about the coming year.  Last year the word was “favor” and I expected favor and prayed it for others.  My prayer journal is full of wonderful references to it.  I’m thankful for all the favor I have witnessed.

This coming year the word is “rest.”  In my journal, I wrote:
For days I’ve been singing the song lyrics “it’s not by might, nor power but by my spirit.”  These words are taken from Zechariah 4:6.  My soul is longing for rest, not the kind that would shirk responsibility, but knowing that God will do what I can’t with all my striving.  Clearly, this will not be a year for striving.  It’s the time to rest in knowing that the Lord will step in and help me at every turn.  In Exodus 33:14, the promise is, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”    This word “rest” points to the Hebrew word, Shalom.  It means peace, but so much more.  When God strengthens us with His peace, we need not fear attacks of any of our adversaries.   It is a very special rest for the people of God devoid of struggle or contention.

The word “rest” is exciting to me now!  It would have been enough for me to be stirred in my spirit, but what is thrilling is that for the last two Sundays, my pastor’s sermons have been about resting in the presence of God.  That sealed it for me!

This is the kind of rest I wish you in the coming year.  Shalom!

This post links to "Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday."



Comments

  1. SharonSeptember 23, 2013 at 9:06 AM

    I cannot begin to tell you how much I need to *rest* - and how very difficult it seems to be when life is swirling around me. I have been so very tired lately.

    But, I am encouraged by your post - and I know that this is the Lord's wish for me. To rest in His presence, and to abide in HIS peace.

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  2. CeilSeptember 23, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    Hi SL! I do love the rest image...I need to get better at doing it. Seems like I have lists after lists, but you know? If I don't get it all done, it's ok.

    I do want to make more time for prayer, and that is so peaceful. Just like a nap with the Lord!

    Happy Monday :)
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  3. Chatty CroneSeptember 23, 2013 at 2:41 PM

    I have to admit these days I am like Sharon - I am tired and I need to rest too! Nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  4. DeniseSeptember 23, 2013 at 4:40 PM

    Amen, such a nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  5. JoySeptember 23, 2013 at 9:21 PM

    How wonderful it is to hear a word from God. Rest...we all need to practice that in our lives because we are pretty much occupied most of the time. .yes, I love the word rest. Rest for weary soul and be in peace.
    Have a nice week sister:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. FloydSeptember 24, 2013 at 4:39 PM

    To rest in true peace is to revere our Father and not the world that threatens from right beside us in the palm of His hand... Great thoughts, sister. Praying for rest for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  7. DeeSeptember 24, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    Rest is a good word for this day and age....thank you for sharing...I will have to listen for a word.

    ReplyDelete
  8. NancySeptember 25, 2013 at 12:03 PM

    "Rest" I love that this is your new word for the year and I can't wait to hear about all the opportunities God will give you to exercise this word.....

    I too long for that soulful rest that rests deep down in the spirit. I think of my problem is that I need to simplify and finding it very hard to do so....

    Mary, thank you so much these words of wisdom....I want to ponder on them longer....

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wise HeartedSeptember 27, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    Mary, you have hit on the word that we all long for I think, rest. With our would in such dreaded times I wonder how we can rest till I remember He is our rest. Great post.

    ReplyDelete

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