I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations.
I cling to your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame!
I will pursue your commands,for you expand my understanding.        Psalm 119:30-32 (NLT)
When was the last time you read a book just to relax? When did you watch a movie or a show just to laugh? When did you go on a picnic, just you and your family that didn’t include 100 other people?
Sometimes I find myself only taking the time for ‘important’ books or activities. I get caught up in legalistic thinking about my time and interest. Unless the reading or other activity contributes to my spiritual or intellectual growth, I do not take the time. That is a bit unbalanced and narrow in my thinking.
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.        Galatians 5:1 (NLT)
It is important that I take some time to produce nothing, accomplish nothing, and contribute nothing! Strolling through a park or wooded trail without a purpose or taking 3 days to drive…somewhere…are refreshing to my spirit! Each of us have different ways to enter in to that Tent of Refreshment that God has provided for us. Why do I think He created so many colors? Why did God create so many different types of flowers and trees and clouds and sunsets? To ENJOY! When was the last time I took the time to enjoy them?
Jesus died for me so that I would not be held in the bondage of sin. He also did not want me to be in bondage to the Law! Both suck the very Life out of my spirit. The Life that is Jesus Christ. The Life that is founded in Grace and Mercy, not works.
God created me and so He knows the limitations of my physical body, my mind, and my spirit. He knows well the drain that this world puts on me. He created the Sabbath for rest. He meant for me to rest. He meant for me to recharge with His blessing.
Time can be freedom for me or it can be a chain that keeps me anxious and fearful. I choose to give God my time and let Him direct me as He sees fit in work and rest.
[reprinted from November 2, 2010…I’m asking myself how I am doing spending time with God a year after He spoke to me about this. Something to think about today.]
