tonight i was sitting alone (which is rare these days) listening to some worship music and just felt so at peace. a peace that i haven’t felt at all in a long time. there were no distractions, no noises, no racing thoughts and no to do lists. just me and Jesus. finding rest.
lately i have taken a break from looking at any photography blogs, at pinterest, at a lot of the things on facebook and let me just say…what a refreshing thing it has been. i’m still working on not checking iphone as much but that is such a hard habit for me to break (just ask jay!!) technology and pretty pictures are everywhere, friends. everywhere. i don’t think there has ever been a time in history where a generation has been so bombarded with images and technology and social networks and blogs and this and that. at one point, i got so distracted by all of the images and comparing that i just needed to take a break. i just needed to rest.
and so i did. i asked for Jesus to give me peace and to be a light, as little or big as it may be. i asked that i would just be still, not do anything but simply rest in His peace. friends, we are called to go against the grain. we are called to be an example of His love. we are called to rest in Him so that He can fill us up….then we can go out and be poured out, then He can fill us once again. to put away the distractions, the do-to lists, the excuses…and spend time in His presence.
“you are the salt of the earth. but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? it is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” matthew 5:13
i sympathize with you if you are burnt out, discouraged, tired of comparing or too busy to even think straight. i was so there! i pray that God will give you peace as you get alone with Him. without any distractions. you will be filled up so that you can be a light wherever you are, in whatever situation you are in. you will find rest.
“you’ll find His peace
and know you’re not alone anymore
He is near….”
So good :) It’s impossible to keep up with everything the world screams at us, and it’s so important to get away and refocus our lives.
I think that’s one of the best things about being in Christ – that He can fill us back up again. But we have to remember to allow Him to empty us out first, which is always harder than being filled back up. But what a joy it is to be filled back up by only the things He wants us to be full of. I pray that I continually humble myself to Him so He is able to fill me up with only the things He desires me to be full of, that I let go of what I want and rest in what He wants. You are beautiful, Arielle. I just love your words – they are always so encouraging :)
It’s so important to just sit and breathe in His spirit. The world is filled with beautiful things and amazing people but sometimes it can be overwhelming and way too stimulating. Good for you for taking a step back and remembering what’s most important!
these posts always make me want to be your real-life friend.
and i toooootally get what you mean about our generation being the one taking the brunt of the technology overload. scary.
I’ve read your blog for the past few seasons and find your words inspiring. thank you especially for this post, these words, and thoughts. I am so glad you found rest. I have chosen peace as my word for 2012 and while God has been working in me to give me peace with my papa’s passing at the start of this year, I really need to go to Him and dwell in His presence for peace in all areas of my life. ice felt so bombarded by technology as well & deleted my fb a few weeks ago which has done wonders in my life. thank you again.
much love,
Vanessa
I love reading the posts you write–they are so refreshingly honest and simple. Thank you for being an example of the things that you say, and pointing back to Jesus so much. It really encourages me.
This is BEAUTIFUL.(:
Thank you so much for writing this post. Its been a long time coming but I’m finally finding peace within my online connections/communications.
It could be the sweetest thing to fellowship and enjoy Christ with brethren all over the world via social media – its funny how it can also be the biggest form of distraction!
Beautiful song too!
Another great reminder. I find myself way to consumed in my iphone. It’s a terrible example. I am working on freeing myself from it :)
I needed this post today. As in really, really, needed it.
Thank you.
God Bless!
Cassandra
This is truer than ever. It’s so easy to compare your own work to the work of others but that’s not what Christ would have for us. He’s created each of us so we could be individuals and find our passions and talents through Him. Wonderful post and such a beautiful reminder of what our focus should be on :)
I hear ya! This weekend was the first time in a few months that I’ve really gotten to cherish my children. I’ve felt so task-oriented lately. I was definitely feeling overwhelmed with my job as a mother last week. But to finally rest and enjoy relationships… it’s been beautiful and peaceful the past couple of days. Being committed to go through God’s Word has helped too. I’m glad to read that you’ve found rest as well. =)
Love this Arielle. Just read yesterday this daily devo about taking love breaks with Jesus throughout the day – thought you may like. Joseph Prince is soooo good on REST. http://www.josephprinceonline.com/2012/01/have-you-taken-your-love-break-today/
I love your blog always actually and on a less spiritual note, love your clothes! xxxx
This is so great. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been doing the same thing (taking a break from technology), and it has been rest for my soul. It honestly makes me consider taking a break from blogging, or maybe just cut way back, because nothing compares with my time with Jesus. It gives me life. Have a great week friend.
I love this so much, arielle. I, too, often feel bombarded and trapped by constantly having so social media and other connections at my fingertips whenever I want it…this is such a true, beautiful reminder!
whoops, that above comment was from me. forgot to enter in my name ;)
thanks for this post.. much needed. praying that He gives you rest!
I can completely relate! I have been feeling this way and now I’m trying to focus on real life and get away from the negative online.
This post is perfect! I just need to go to him more often! Thank you Arielle for sharing your heart! I truly believe God speaks through you! Love reading when that happens!
Arielle,
you will never know how much i truly needed this post. it was such a comforting and truthful word, one that i SO needed to hear. thank you. i mean really, thank you. your blog is so inspiring. may the Lord bless you and your beautiful family. i pray He continues to reveal His loving ways and desires to you, as you continue to share them with others.
love,
Annaliese
Hey! I love your posts, they are so upbuilding! Just wondering if you could tell/email me some good gospel music artists or websites you know of..how do you find beautiful music like this.
It would be super cool if you reply!
Thanks
x
Amen! Thank you for this post Arielle. As always you are so encouraging! It is a good reminder to slow down and go back to the most important things in life that are OFFLINE. :)
Thanks for posting this, Arielle. I needed to read this.
Oh, have I been constantly reminded– the hard way– that rest is more than a luxury, but a necessity. Even when I am resting I am thinking up the next thing I need to do. Its never-ending!
I know this is late but this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear right now. Thank you so much for this message. It was great to hear and it made my day a little brighter!