Good Morning, This is God…

Every once in a while, I run across something that catches my eye. Usually, it is a coffee mug, flowers, or some sort of trinket that I end up buying on the spur of the moment. Depending on what it is, I may buy one, or as many as four; for Janet, and then each of the kids.

Well, several trips ago, when I was in New Jersey, I walked past a store as I was in downtown Westfield, the town that I visit when I head out east. In the window, I noticed a plaque that caught my eye. I had never noticed the store before – let alone the plaque. I had been having a tough week, and was in the frame of mind that I was trying to wrestle all my problems to the ground. Sometimes I get that way. I don’t know why – I keep repeating the same mistakes, thinking that I am in control – when in all reality, I am not.

Anyway, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this plaque as I walked past. It simply said, “Good morning … this is God… Today I’ll be handling all your problems. I won’t need your help. So relax and leave everything to me.” I stopped and thought a moment about all the sentiments tied up in that phrase. In the blink of an eye, I was in the store, looking for other sayings that might resonate with me. But no, that first one was the right one for me. Lo and behold, they had three more left; so I took all of them, plus the one in the window. That way, each of the kids got one.

Janet and I finally settled on hanging it in the bathroom, next to the mirror over the vanity. Now, each morning when I arise, the first thing I see is that phrase staring at me as I brush my teeth. Sometimes I just glance at it; other times I really stop and read it; and let all the warmth of that knowledge sink in. Because God is capable of handling my problems, And He certainly doesn’t need my help to do it. But most of the time, the words I focus on are, “So relax.”

Relaxing, and letting God washing over me just doesn’t come easily. It just seems too easy. And, other than the Sabbath, which we are commanded to observe, isn’t it a sin to kick back and not try to do your best all the time every day? Well, according to the Scripture we are to relax – to enter into God’s rest; and not just on the Sabbath. And Heb. 4:3 confirms God’s wish for us, “Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said…” Apparently, it is okay to let go and let God.

That knowledge in itself brings me peace. Intellectually I know that God is still on the throne, but it is comforting to know that God cares enough about me to address the issues of my daily life. There’s an old saying that says, “If God is your co-pilot, change seats.” Ain’t it the truth! And this is what I think God is telling me each day. Patience, absence from worry, comfort…. all things I want for my life.

My grandfather used to tell me the same thing. As I would be cutting the grass, or weeding, or rushing to get something done, grandpa would tell me to “Relax.” He thought Dad worked too hard and that I had to stop and smell the roses. I think he took it on as his personal mission to help me understand the concept of God’s rest. Apparently, I didn’t get it; because it was tough for me as a little kid – it’s just as tough for me tonight. But every morning I am reminded that God has my back.

So my encouragement tonight is to relax and let the power of God wash over you. And my prayer is that God will show you His peace and that you will enter into His rest. Speaking of which, it’s late, and a long day tomorrow, and I need to ……. rest…. Have a great day!