September 2010...

How can you fix 90% of the problems on your computer? Reboot. When in doubt, shut it down, let it rest a while, then fire it up again. Rebooting clears out the gunk and resets the system. Reboot. Reload. Reconfigure.

I certainly need to reassess from time to time. The stressors of life and ministry can erode my spirit and cause me to fray around the edges. God needs to reboot me occasionally. He reminds me who I am and who He is. Big God, little me. So good to be renewed and reinvigorated back to being Goodtime Linda again.

I love “re” words. Some mean to repeat, others simply start with re, but are still renewing and revealing…reach, ready, reason, remember, receive, refuge, rest. Scripture calls us to return, remember, redeem, refrain, remain, revel, rejoice…

In the old classic “City Slickers”, the friends come to realize that their lives are not exactly what they wish they were. So they decide on a “do-over”, like when they were kids. There’s hope! I’m not doomed to be stuck. We always have the opportunity to rethink and redirect.

God is our Creator. He is also our Re-creator. He creates, recreates and revitalizes a clean heart in us. He renews our mind. He regenerates our heart and mind. He makes all things new. Not just once, but over and over. What a patient, gracious, loving Redeemer we serve.

In my ministry seasons, summer is the time to pull back a tad, catch up, tackle neglected stacks and projects, reconnected with relationship, and basically reflect, recover and renovate everything--spiritually, emotionally, mentally. Reconsider. Reevaluate. Re-prioritize.

We are designed to live in a healthy, holy rhythm that includes rest, recovery and renovation.

For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
In repentance and rest you shall be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength."
(Isaiah 30:15)

Doesn’t that sound better and more life-giving than any resort? But we resist, refuse and reject His refuge. How do we reply to this?

But you were not willing,
And you said, "No”
(Isaiah 30:16)

I have realized that “No” is not a very wise response to God. But sometimes I still run my life as if I don’t require repentance, rest, quietness and trust. I can keep going at this pace. I can handle the stressors. I can do it myself. I’m fine. Really.

From time to time, I need to shut it down, let it rest a while, then fire it up again. Receive and revel in Jesus’ repentance, rest, quietness and trust. I’m always amazed at how much better a refreshed system runs.

How about you? Could your system use a reboot? What’s your “re’ word for today?

Reaching to receive His rest,
Linda