A Letter to a Friend Searching for Rest

Welcome, Friend

I know it’s been a while.  Life can be hard sometimes.  The days melt into nights and the cycle repeats itself over and over until you feel as though time is a tsunami that you are drowning in.  It’s okay, friend— you can rest now.  Sit upon the meadow grass with me, watch the sun as it sets upon the horizon, shining its cotton-candy hues onto the mountains.  Watch as the trees dance in the wind and the birds chirp their way to rest.  Watch as the first star appears overhead and the world begins to quiet as the sun is laid to rest.

Psalm 4:8 states, “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”  Dwell in peace my friend— dwell in peace.  Seek it and find it.  Sit upon this pillow of green and find it, friend.  Rest in His creation, the reflection of His being.  Let go of today’s worries and let the serenity of our meadow envelop you in its embrace.  Today is now gone and the night is now dawning.

We shepherds, the guardians of the blessings entrusted to us, know a thing or two about peace, about rest.  We do not know if the sun will scorch the ground, or if the waters will rise in response.  We do not know what tomorrow will bring, nor do we know if the same sun will rise again.  We only know this, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Truly, we do not know much.  In fact, we may not even fully know the value of peace, even though we experience glimpses of it.  What we do know is trust.  Trust leads into surrender, and surrender leads into rest.  It is through our surrender that we find true rest and peace in the One who knows our being.  My question for you is: Friend, are you weary?  Do you long to find rest from the troubles of this world?

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30

Find rest my friend.

As always, until we meet again among the grasses of our meadow.

Your Friend,

The Shepherd of Wisping Meadow