A Respite For My Soul
By Carin G Hansen
My guess would be that every one of us could use respite from the constant bad news, changing news and conflicting news that is everywhere during this pandemic. But what really is respite and where is the most authentic place to get it from?
Respite means – a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
A few synonyms are: break, intermission, breathing space and interlude
Do you find that just reading that definition and the synonyms made you breathe out deeply in an “ah” moment as your whole body relaxed? That is certainly how I responded.
So, where do we find respite? Well, it often takes place when actually get away for a while… Or even when we are forced by a pandemic, to stay at home for an extended period of time. Respite can also be found in breaking old habits and adopting new, more healthy ones.
But true and lasting respite… authentic respite, comes from getting away to God.
Matthew 11:28-30 says: “Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me (God). Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace… ” – The Message
God can help with wherever you are at, that you need respite. He knows you intimately as your maker and He cares. I love the phrase “learn the unforced ryhthms of grace”. That is who God is. He never forces His grace on you. He simply offers it to you in gentle and ongoing pattern for your taking.
“Normal” life causes me to need respite! Add this current pandemic and all that means in our lives along with any other difficult or tragic situations and it is easy to find oneself crying out for a real rest.
If you have never really thought about turning to God for anything – I would challenge you to consider calling out to Him. Also reading the book of John in the Bible will answer a lot of potential questions you might have about God.
If you have begun to think that God really doesn’t care about you, and your situation – I would challenge you to re-think this and pray for Him to show Himself to you in a new and very real way in unforced ryhthms of grace. The psalms are a great way to learn more about God’s character.
If you are very sure of God’s love and care for you – I would challenge you to take more “ah” moments focusing on who God is. Psalm 23 is a wonderful way to focus on God’s character.
… and, if you would like me to pray with and/or for you, you can fill out your information in the contact form on of my website (in the resource box at the end of this article). I would consider it a great privilege to pray for you.
Carin Hansen has been helping women and men, of all ages, look their best through articles, blogs, books, seminars and workshops for much of her life. Because she interacts with many lives, in very personal ways, she has unique insights into the spiritual struggles both men and women alike face.
As a Christ follower and cancer survivor for over 25 years, Carin is very aware that every day on earth is a gift from God – not to be wasted. Please visit Carin’s website https://caringhansen.com to book her for a coaching session or a speaking engagement. Also check out her blog at <> http://www.mysacredidentity.wordpress.com for spiritual insight on the challenges of life.
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