Two weeks ago I wrote about troubles that lie deep within my heart that had been plaguing me for quite some time. Those kinds of things are not easy to share, especially on a public forum where I cannot track who has read it and who has not. It’s terrifying knowing that my “weak spots” were made available to anyone who cared to pay attention; blind vulnerability is not a trait I naturally possess. I knew all of this before I wrote it, however I still felt compelled to document my trials. I did not know the reason, but I felt the tug on my heartstrings and reluctantly replied, “Ok God…whatever…”
The curiously beautiful thing about these types of experiences is that once the emotional gunk is cleared out, once it is removed from the deep recesses, it makes a space. A clearing. An opening. And THEN…whoa…that’s where the magic lies. That’s where I felt the unmistakable voice of God yearning to talk to me about rest. In the days following my post, His presence moved in my life. We’re talking about a movement that any unbeliever would label as “coincidental” but I knew it was intentional. The central theme of rest followed me from casually browsing Instagram stories to random podcasts to even my Old Testament reading in Leviticus. At that point, it was obvious, God had something He needed me to hear.
So, after days of Him catapulting signs at me left and right, I sat there, receptive. Physically showing Him my hands were open to receive what He wanted. “I have made space for You and I am ready to receive in abundance what You have for me,” I prayed in trepidation, which I often do when the prayers are this bold. The response has been big and on-going and so, SO life giving.
What has been revealed to me is: In order to achieve sustainable joy, you must abide in rest. Set up camp and live there. Rest is not an activity. It is not sweatpants and a day off. It is not toes in the sand nor is it swinging in a hammock. Rest is a posture not an event. Rest is internal.
The goal is not to relax at scheduled times in specific conditions but to carry rest with us; this is a concept common to those who practice meditation (present company included). By assuming a posture of rest, we have focused our attention and energy on what is truly important and abandoned the mundane. The repetitive. The unnecessary. We centrally focus on what’s important and clear space for joy. This is not some farkakte concept. Remember that Old Testament passage I mentioned earlier?
Leviticus 25 “just so happened” to be my Bible reading last Sunday. If you have the time, I encourage you to go read it. It is my current understanding, and Lord knows I could be wrong, that every seventh year the Israelites took a Sabbatical or a year’s rest. THEN, every seventh Sabbatical it was known as the Year of Jubilee. A joyful year-long celebration brought forth by an intentional observation of rest. And in case you questioned God’s moving presence in our life, would you care to guess when the next Year of Jubilee takes place? 2021-2022. The year I’m taking off to serve Jesus through ministry.
I smiled at the response on Google because it was further confirmation that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. It hasn’t been a smooth journey and it’s been FAR from sequential, but I am so happy that it is mine. And I will keep traversing on the crazy special path, furiously chasing joy every step of the way.
You’re exactly where you need to be! Don’t question it. How crazy is it that the jubilee is 2021-2022?! Super stoked for you!
You do you! Be joyful!