My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14 ESV)

The summer season is perceived to be a relaxing, calming kind of season, because the sun is out and

pools are open, kids are out of school, families are taking vacations, the aroma of barbecue fills our

neighborhoods, and the list goes on. It’s supposed to be a time of relaxation, yet I have come to find out

it’s a hectic one, at least for some, if not all.

In the hustle and bustle of the season, pausing to pray and rest in the Lord often becomes an

afterthought. Yet, it remains one of the most profound ways to connect with the Creator of the sun and

the sea. Scripture reminds us to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). As believers, irrespective of the

season, we are called to always be in tune with the Holy Spirit. We are reminded again, to be “ready in

season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). As I was thinking and praying through this topic, I

encountered in one of my daily devotions, a similar theme that I wanted to share a segment of it. It goes

like this:

Hurry. Hustle. Go. Do. Achieve. Fix. How many of your days begin with thoughts like these at the front of

your mind? Adulthood is marked by pressures of so much to do and never enough time. There are due

dates, bills to pay, people to speak to, and things that demand our attention.

We need reminding – as we did when we were children – sometimes it’s time to rest, even if we didn’t

get our list of chores done. Jesus’ disciples were healthy men with energy and skills, but even they

became overwhelmed by the strain of attending to a constant stream of needs. Jesus noticed this and

called them away to be alone and get some much-needed rest.

Resting in the Lord is a fundamental shift in our dependence. We surrender our need to control, to fix,

to carry everything on our own weary shoulders. We release the burden of outcomes and place our trust

in God's perfect timing and unwavering love (Psalm 130:5-7). Imagine yourself carrying a heavy load.

Resting in the Lord is like setting that load down at His feet. It's acknowledging our limitations and

embracing His strength. It's a deep breath, a letting go, a whispered prayer, “Here, Lord. I trust You.”

As the summer winds down, and fall begins to emerge, how might Jesus be inviting you to get away and

rest in His presence – a prayer walk in the park, a weekend retreat, or a day of fasting? Whichever

means you feel led to sit at the feet of Jesus, may I encourage you to take that step.

By George Donkor

George and his wife, Christiana, are proud parents of Annajoy and Elijah. George and his family love

serving Jesus together and showing Him to the world around them.