By We are in the midst of the Lenten season. In years past I’ve successfully given up things like bread, chocolate, or alcohol (for Lent only — not a permanent lifestyle change!), so I know I’m capable. This year, though, I didn’t have the energy for that kind of discipline. Instead of giving something up, I’ve tried to focus more on scripture and on what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit want from me… and of me.
At this point in life, I figure I may have about 30 years left on this planet, and I’d like to spend that time getting at least a few things right. So I keep turning to God, even when I get frustrated by how much I don’t understand — and probably never will. Maybe that’s part of the lesson.
Recently on the Hallow app I listened to a reflection about acceptance vs. resentment, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. If I’m honest, I often relate more to the older brother than I’d like to admit. The good news is that I think I’ve matured enough to move past having a purely transactional relationship with God, which feels like progress. Still, I sometimes wonder why I don’t always hear Him. I feel like I’m listening very hard… but maybe I’m listening for the answer I want, not necessarily the one He’s giving.
Back to the topic at hand. It’s been a while since I’ve written about one of the songs we’ve sung at church. This past Sunday our anthem was Come Find His Rest, which combines the hymns Come Find His Rest and I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say. The music and the words really stayed with me. The lyrics are based on Matthew 11:28 — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
I almost wrote about how comforting that feels during “these trying times,” but the truth is, every time has its challenges. And maybe that’s exactly why we’re given those words — because we will always need them.
I won’t post every verse (you can find that here), but this one especially spoke to me:
Come, weary one, leave thy labors
Come lift thy head, see thy Savior and Friend
His arms are opened wide
O soul, be satisfied
Come find His rest
This youtube link isn’t our recording. If you’re on Facebook you can search for Roswell United Methodist Church and hopefully find the anthem from this past Sunday.
I hope the words bring you the same comfort they brought me.