5:16 Club, Day 10 - Sundays Are Meant for Rest

I awoke this morning to a hymn reminding me that the Lord is my strength and salvation, bringing a smile to my face and peace to my anxious heart. Today is my sister's bridal shower. I am very excited for her, and the responsibility as her maid of honor is something I take very seriously. I want to support her, love her, and bless her, and also care for my mother and own children during the process.

It is a exciting day, yet also there is a sadness in my heart. The absence of my father behind the scenes reminds me of the brokenness of this world and the reality that what I long for may never come to be. Dad removed himself from my family years ago, but the pain is still nearby. In my dreams I imagine a father filled with joy for his daughter as her wedding day approaches. I can picture it, because I know the love of my heavenly Father and witness the love my husband has for our daugthers. But this is a love my mother, father, and sister have never known. How I want that for them, even more than I long for my own dad's love.

While my eyes were still closed, reflecting on the Lord as my strength, I sensed that it was well beyond 5:16 am. I was a bit afraid to look at the clock, not wanting to start the day later than usual. 7:05 AM. Oh no! "Surely, it couldn't be," was my first thought! I was sleeping through my alarm for almost two hours. I knew I was tired when I went to bed last night, but not exhausted. Apparently, God must really mean that Sundays are meant for rest, and I thank the Him for foiling my best intentions by giving me a bit more sleep today.

The Lord brought one more incredible blessing to my morning, as I listened to the words of Haggai being spoken by the announcer. I was encouraged by the relevance of the Word for today. Here are the Scriptures that spoke to me,

Haggai 2:4-5

Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the LORD, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'

Haggai 2:9

'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."

I went back to read the introduction to my NIV Women's Devotional Bible, looking for an understanding of what was happening at that time, and was challenged and encouraged even further:

"Haggai...has one central theme: What are you waiting for? Build God's house! ... They start out with good intentions to rebuild the temple, but their enthusiasm wanes as they face opposition and become distracted with building their own homes. Haggai speaks out, telling the Israelites to put aside their own personal agendas and finish the task before them. Make worshipping God a top priority, he reminds them."

I've always said that we are just like the Israelites, and in this case, there is not a shred of difference. We, too, become distracted with our own agendas and our enthusiasm wanes in difficult times. I've seen evidence of this in my own life as I've dealt with challenges in my own life, whether it be the estrangement of my father or challenge of being the only Christian in my family, the dynamics of leadership at church, or even as a parent. When things are not going according to my plan, it is easy to run in another direction, away from the difficult circumstances.

As I listen to the truth the Lord speaks in His Word, I am reminded, AGAIN, that God is the one who will accomplish all things. He reminds us to be strong and that He will bless us. We don't have to have it all figured out. That's His job. Our responsibility is to stand firm and focus on the Lord, giving Him all our worship.

Again, the Lord has been faithful in providing clear instruction for the day ahead. He knows the challenges that I will face today and has offered the love of a perfect Father to a daughter with gentle but firm instruction grounded in the truth: Be strong. Do not fear. I will be present with you. I will bring in the peace.

Thank you, Jesus, for making a way to my Heavenly Father. I really needed it today.

Because of Him,