Give ear to my prayer, O God;
And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
Give heed to me and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted – Psalm 55:1-2
Most people think it would be a dream come true to be forced to rest. And it is… when we’re talking like a nap or a weekend or even a little vacation. However, if the rest of your life was mostly spent holding the recliner down or on forced bedrest… well, that’s a different story altogether.
I loved when I came across this verse, because it describes how I feel so perfectly! I am restless in my complaint. Gee, um, in my sentence, that last word would need an S on the end. Yes, yes it would.
And am surely distracted. Distracted from what? Oh, so many things. Sometimes my mind is so frantic in it’s pacing that I can’t even decide on one thing to be distracted from at a time.
You see, I don’t want to hold the recliner down or keep the bed warm. I want to run and play with my children. I want to cook a meal for my family. I want to run errands for my hubby. And so many other things that were once part of my everyday life. Rest, when in this kind of quantity, is abhorrent to me. It is unnatural.
It leaves me feeling empty, frustrated and distracted. I find myself longing for action, feeling guilty for all that is being done around me, as if I’m some princess waiting for someone to peel my grapes. It stinks. I mentally stamp my foot as I list my complaints to my Father, using my poutiest lips and my whiniest voice.
And I am surely distracted. I am distracted from His goodness. I am remiss in remembering His faithfulness. I forget His promises.
When resting is hard work, I need to be conscious of my mindset. I need to refuse to chase these trains of thoughts that run nowhere but into the dark tunnel. I need to recognize that this resting that I’m doing is what my body requires.
And the best way to focus my mind is through intentional gratitude. I am grateful for the warm, comfortable place to be. I am thankful for those around me who care for me and do all the tasks I am unable to do, oh so thankful. I even love the fact that I have a recliner to hold down.
As I list these things out loud to God, thanking Him for each one, the Spirit brings more and more things to mind. I am clearing the way for Jesus in my heart. Making room for praise and renewal.
Won’t you join me?
Heavenly Father, help me to turn to you when resting gets hard. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, every blessing that you have given me. Help me never to take these for granted. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
I spent most of a pregnancy on bedrest. While I’m certain it was nowhere near what you are going through, it was a horrible experience. There was nothing relaxing about being stuck down all the time, in fact just the opposite.
Resting In His Hands recently posted…The Pit and The Mountain – A Story of Healing and Growing Relationships With God
I’m so sorry you can relate. I hope your pregnancy turned out well, and the baby was healthy! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Having been forced to rest several times in my life (for longer periods of time than expected), I can so relate to this post. And yet, in hindsight, so much growth came from those times in many ways. Shelly, as hard as it is, may this season of rest not only bring you health but bear good fruit. Praying for your recovery. You are such an encouragement & a blessing!
Joanne+Viola recently posted…Of Approval, Survival & Hope
Thank you so much for your sweet encouragement, Joanne! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
It IS hard! I had a taste of it for several weeks when I broke my ankle. Now my mom spends most days dealing with it due to one ailment or another and she, too, gets so frustrated. But, like you, we do a lot of praying and God is good to keep us keeping on. Thank you for a blessed visit via The Weekend Brew
Kaye, I’m so glad you stopped by! Have added you and your mom to my prayer list! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I pray that you will be blessed during your enforced rest times and know more closeness from Jesus. Trust in Him always.
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Mel+Caldicott recently posted…Letter to Myself on My Wedding Day – Mhairi Boxer
Thank you for your prayers, Mel! I appreciate them so much! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3