Sabbath Psalms - Rest for The Weary

Psalm 116:7 Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

The first few verses of Psalm 116 encourage us to place our faith in God and become aware of God’s mindfulness over all that we experience and do. It’s a psalm of assurance, so it is often a ‘go-to’ passage of scripture for folks during difficult times and painful moments.

I like today’s highlighted verse because of the ancient Hebrew word for ‘rest’ which is menukhah. It is a place of peace and tranquility, relaxation and stillness. It is the rest that weary travelers seek at the end of a long journey; it is the repose that most folks yearn when they get home from a busy day at work; it is the peaceful place we retreat to in order to replenish our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is also the final resting place that faithful people seek when the leave the surly bonds of Earth and look into the eternal loving face of God.

Perhaps you’re presently experiencing some anxiety; maybe there are problems and issues in your life which disturb your peace; perhaps you’re constantly worried about the turbulent times we’re living in and are just looking for some assurance. Well, God can sustain us with the stability and strength that we seek, and the ancient words of the psalmist can encourage and guide us to the rest – the menukhah – we require today. This is also why Christ Himself once said to His followers: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Point to ponder: What things are currently wearying and worrying me? Am I willing to hand them over to God in order to find rest?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely and are aware of all things that disturb us. Grant us peace and grace, comfort and strength. In Your Holy Name, we rest and pray. Amen.

Sabbath Psalms: God's Love

Psalm 66:20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! (NIV)

              Each morning as I drive to church, I talk to God in prayer. I find it helps me focus on what tasks I need to complete that day, as well as saying personal prayers for my family, friends, and parishioners.

I usually start by giving thanks to God for another day, for the sleep I have known, and for the opportunities to serve the Lord which I don’t deserve. I know that I am unworthy of being blessed by God because of my selfish and sinful ways, so this makes me grateful, just like the psalmist before me, that despite who I am or what I’ve done, God does not reject my prayer or withhold his love from me. 

By the time I get to the church building, I have completed my daily prayers which includes asking God to protect and bless my loved ones all over the world. My prayers include folks and relatives who live in the US, Scotland, England, Ireland, Norway, Austria, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the US again, and finally, Canada. It’s a global list of people that I know and love, so each day I’m thankful to God for watching over them. 

I think the psalmist from long ago experienced something similar. The practice of prayer is very empowering and there have been many times in my life when prayers have been positively answered by God to help loved ones and friends overcome issues and crises, illnesses and problems. In some circumstances, they were unable to pray for themselves, so I have been glad to do their praying for them. 

I hope that you may also be given the opportunity to experience the power of prayer, as well as God’s love and compassion. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, no matter what situation you or loved ones are experiencing, please know this: God is mindful of what’s going on and will not reject your prayers or withhold his love from you. 

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the gift of prayer which enables us to reach out to You for guidance and support, encouragement and love. Be near to all of our loved ones and bless them with healing and strength, confidence and faith. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

Celtic Poems: A'Chaingis

 

A' Chaingis

 

Like wild geese reflocking

From their winter wilderness,

Following a sacred solar cycle

Determined by additional daylight,

Flying freely above verdant pastures

Then landing longingly

To feast and nestle

In the expanding greenery

While cackling jokingly with a jubilant joy

On finding fresh fields

Filled with food and seeds

To replenish their migrating bodies,

So, the Spirit comes among us

Sent by Heaven’s High Command

To fulfill the Anointed One’s promise

Bringing comfort and counsel,

Fire and water,

With bread and wine,

To the faithful community

Who are hoping for holiness

And expectantly awaiting:

A’Chaingis.

 

John Stuart 2026