This morning we are in our caravan on a very quiet site in Somerset, with a little river running by a meadow.
Unusually, the English summer weather has been very dry and hot, so the surrounding pastures are a brownish yellow – not green at all.
Early this morning grey, low cloud covers the landscape; although it is still warm.
Even the land feels stressed right now. Certainly there is great anxiety and stress in the world. The news is unremittingly gloomy and depressing and there are wars and rumours of wars all the time. Truth, goodness and righteousness are in very short supply.
Many people are looking for rest. Primarily, I believe, rest for their souls. Only God can supply that.
So, as I, Kate, reflected this morning, a poem emerged. It’s a bit rough and ready but it is really a prayer. Here it is.
Rest
In a world on high alert, the news so full of stress
We need a place of resting; a place of knowing less
A place of restoration, where souls and bodies heal
A time for really letting go of all the things we feel
Surrender isn’t easy, when going through the mill
The psalmist spoke of pastures green and waters that are still
But there we need a laying down, releasing anxious thoughts
A time for giving up the fight of all the “shoulds” and “oughts”
We need a time with Jesus, sweet Shepherd of our soul
To pour out our anxieties, so He can make us whole
Stretch out Your Hand, Lord Jesus, and touch our deepest need
We want to be with You alone and follow where You lead
Come, precious Holy Spirit; refresh our inmost parts
Please overwhelm our thinking and calm our racing hearts
Indwell our fleshly beings; transform us and renew
And clear our mental focus, till we see only You
So, Lord, these verses are a prayer; appealing for Your rest
Please minister Your love to us; we’re asking to be blessed
Today, beloved Jesus, stretch out Your healing hand
And by Your precious Spirit, bring rest into our land
“Our hearts are restless, until they rest in You”. St Augustine of Hippo
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Psalms 23:1-3 NIVUK
PS. Roger and I now have another blogsite, too. It’s called Hope and Glory. See www.kingdomheritageproductions.com
The Bakery 
Dear Kate,
It was good to open my emails this morning and find your message and poem. Thank you. I have tried to comment on things in the past, but it has seemed to my non-technological mind too complicated when I have pressed the ‘Comment’ button and I fear I have left my thanks and appreciation unsaid.
It is good to hear from you again. I trust that you are having a blessed time of rest and relaxation amidst all the troubles of the world. I hope your own personal lives are filled with positive gifts of great joy from God at this time.
I don’t know whether you will be in Clun before we go away on 17th September. – If so it would be good to see you. I think of you often when we walk near or actually past your house, although I confess I have not been praying for you as frequently as I ought. But God is good and cares for us regardless…
May He continue to bless you both.
Much love,
Vanessa
Sent from iPhone
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How lovely to hear from you, Vanessa! Thank you so much for your really encouraging comment. Yes, these sites can be hard to navigate.
We think of you, too, and look forward to seeing you again. We pass your home, too, and have wondered where you are! We will meet soon….much love…xx
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Kate, great poem! I too have learned that rest in the Lord is so vital! Been praying for rain for the UK. Have needed it here too, and finally had a good soaking storm last night. I’m reminded of the verse “The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike” Matthew 5:45, showing God’s great mercy and also that we all are effected by the hardships of life. May we be empowered through our daily rest in the Lord to show the way to the only one who can supply our every need. Much love from across the pond ☺️.
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