ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

R & R

We were getting ready to go away for a weekend. During the steamy tropical fall months it is a treat for us to visit a cooler climate. I was thinking, “R & R”, yes! Rest and Relaxation was what I had in mind, maybe Renewal, Rejuvenation, and/or Refreshing, as well. With the tote bag packed, I went to my desk to catch up on some last-minute Email.

The little paperweight caught my eye. A rough ivory-colored rock, only about an inch and a half across; a gift from a friend many years ago. In big red letters, SALLY, and under it: Psalm 62:6-8*. Turning it over, I read, Giant Killer.

King David, the greatest king ever, the only man mentioned in the Bible as "a man after God's own heart",** speaks beautifully regarding R & R. God alone was David’s rock, fortress, refuge where no enemy could reach him. He had his Goliath***, and we all have giants in our own lives. My paraphrase of those verses in the book of Psalms 62 is, R & R - Rock & Refuge. The Lord is my strong and steady Rock, He is my Refuge, my safe place.

I keep that little painted rock there, on my desk, to remind me I don’t have to fight the giants, those situations that come into my life that loom large that I don’t know how to confront and deal with. Jesus, my Rock and Refuge, will take care of them, and me, too. As it says in 1 Samuel 17:47, 'the battle is the Lord’s'.

R&R, more than just rest and relaxation. Thank you, Lord.…..Sally Kennedy (irishthursdays@bellsouth.net) by way of “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net)