A Resting Time

Excerpt from Streams in the Desert by Frances Ridley Havergal

I laid it down in silence,
This work of mine,
And took what had been sent me,
a resting time.
The Master's voice had called me,
To rest apart;
"Apart with Jesus only,"
Echoed my heart.

I took the rest and stillness
from His own Hand,
And felt this present illness
Was what He planned.
How often we choose labor,
When He says, "Rest."
Our ways are blind and crooked;
His way is best.

The work Himself has given,
He will complete.
There may be other errands
For tired feet;
There may be other duties
For tired hands,
The present, is obedience
To His commands.

There is a blessed resting
In lying still,
In letting His hand mold us,
Just as He will.
His work must be completed.
His lesson set;
He is the higher Workman:
Do not forget!

It is not only "working."
We must be trained;
And Jesus "learned" obedience,
Through suffering gained.
For us, His yoke is easy,
His burden light.
His discipline most needful,
And all is right.

We are but under-workmen;
They never choose
If this tool or if that one
Their hands should use.
In working or in waiting
May we fulfill
Not ours at all, but only
the Master's will.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for not embracing this resting time with You. It's a gift from You to heal and restore me. A time to draw nearer to You. Help me to be still and know You more intimately. Thank You that You know what this wearied one needs - it's more of You. Help me to rest in Your presence today - filled with love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and compassion. Complete the work You have begun in my life as I rest in You.

Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Exodus 33:14 - The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."