The Weekend Brew: Rest, Restore & Revive
There are words laying dormant in the deep places of my heart. I know they are there, for God’s Word lives in me. It is God who breathes life on the words that I share here in this space. Yet, I feel as if I don’t have much to give by way of words right now. For whatever reason, I am devoid of creativity to pull them to the surface. Life is busy, a little stressful and I’m feeling a lot of melancholy. Perhaps it is not time to awaken what has been deposited yet. Perhaps these words just need a little more time to soak and bathe in His truth and light. I want so desperately to write, to share His heart, to share my heart, yet He says, “Cease from your striving and rest.”
I’ve pushed and shoved my way through the week and now I am out of steam. I know a time of rest is in order, as well as a time to be revived and restored in His presence. So, that is what I will do. I will not worry about the blog, the words, or my social media outlets. I’ll read when I want to, post status updates when I want to and write when the inspiration comes. I never want to write just for the sake of writing. For me it’s not about stats, likes or comments, although I love engaging with you! I want my words to be life giving and hope releasing. I want to always encourage your heart and give you glimpses of His love and sprinkles of His grace. Oh how I need His grace today!
For now, I leave you with some of my favorite promises form His Word:
Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28)
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” (Psalm 116:7)
Restore
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:12)And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)
Revive
Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. (Psalm 119:50)
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15)
How about you, my friends? What scriptures bring you comfort when you find yourself needing to rest, to be revived and restored in His presence?
Now it’s your turn to share encouragement here at The Weekend Brew.
1. Share a post, photo, scripture — anything that breathes life and encourages.
2. Grab the button to use in your post, or simply link here.
3. Visit the person who linked up before you (and a few others if you have time).
mmm.. THIS post brought a sense of rest just reading it.
so much resonated with me.
it’s not a scripture but an old hymn i like to play on the piano when i’m feeling overwhelmed is, “burdens are lifted at calvary.” the words always lift me and remind me where to run when i feel i can’t keep on~
Barbie, God has recently spoken a word about *rest* to me, too (posted about it this week). Wearied by this year, I was so relieved to have Him tell me that it’s OK to stop and sit and restore/revive. In fact, it was exactly what He was calling me to do. Sometimes the enemy can keep us complacent when we’re supposed to act – but he can also keep us busy (and frantic) when we’re supposed to rest.
What brings me comfort? God speaking to me – through His inner voice – and through His Word. Nothing calms my spirit and reassures my soul like Him. The One whose yoke is easy, and whose burden is light.
We never walk alone.
GOD BLESS!
AMEN Sharon! Thank you so much for sharing.
Whoa I love the fresh look of your blog! It is beautiful to see the work of your hands.
I’m glad you are seeking rest & restoration right now…God will give you the season to share all the inner workings of your heart. For now, I pray you rest and find His purpose in the stillness. -Rachel
Thanks so much Rachel . I was just thinking about you! Will touch base soon.
Barbie, I’d like to add an “R” word to your list — “refresh.” The Scripture that comes to mind is Proverbs 11:25: ” A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I am always so encouraged and refreshed whenever I visit your blog. Praying tonight for Him to refresh and renew your spirit. Hugs
Thank you so much Lyli for your kind words. Have a beautiful week.
Keeping you in my prayers dear Barbie! Lean on Him, rest in Him, receive nourishment from His word and revive yourself by diving into the Living Water. Sending you love and hugs, Natasha
Oh Natasha, yes! I can picture myself diving in deep. Blessings!
May He give you sweet rest in Him. I love the new banner!
Thanks so much Donna!
Praise God for His restoring rest! Your words always bless me. Thanks for hosting & God bless!
You’re welcome Laurie. Blessings!
You need a good rest friend. I am so proud of you, and what you have accomplished. YOUR BLOG… looks amazing. I’m jealous ;-). I’m praying your time in the word refreshes and refuels.
Oh friend, you are such an encouragement to my heart. And the new blog, I sort of stumbled upon it. But I am in love with it. Have a blessed week!
You have such a beautiful and transparent heart Barbie. Blessings and love as you listen to God’s voice and take a much needed rest to restore and revive sweet sister!
Prayers and hugs!
Denise
Praying you have a blessed week Denise.
Take your sweet rest, Barbie, and don’t worry about anything. I pray that you’ll come back refreshed, renewed, and blessed beyond your imagination!
Bless you sweet Rina!
May you find the rest you need and the motivation you seek.
The peace of Christ be with you!
Thanks so much Marty!
Barbie, you and I are in very similar seasons. I have been praying for rest and restoration, and although I still have a lot of obligations that are giving me stress, God is providing me both those things! Especially this weekend. Thank you for sharing your heart!! Love you!
So thankful you are getting rest, even in a busy season. Thanks for stopping by Amy!
Hi Barbie! Your post speaks to me today, reminding me again that if we labor we labor for Him. The lovely scriptures you included attest to His desire that the labor not be in vain or beat us down . The invitation to “come” and lay it down is always available. Bless you as you respond to the call of rest…and in so doing, find refreshment.
Thank you so much Lisha! I appreciate you stopping by.
Barbie –
May He bring you the rest you need today!
Blessings,
Joanne
Thank you sweet Joanne!
He will restore you – but take time to listen to Him and revive. We need you.. fully alive and strengthened in Him.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Thanks so much Janis! I appreciate you!
Wow, Barbie! You wrote the post I’ve been thinking about writing all week! ” I never want to write just for the sake of writing.” I spoke these exact words today! Your post was confirmation for me. Thank you for sharing from the heart!
I think there are a lot of people feeling this way. Thankful I can share openly and honestly here in this space. Thank you June!
Your bench, your words, and the precious promises of truth offer such an invitation to rest and be restored. May He lead you beside quiet waters this weekend and the week to come.
Thank you my friend. Have a blessed Sunday!
Barbie, how I understand the place you are in. God’s Word is our assurance for all that we need for this day. Resting in Him is all you need. Praying with and for you.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
I find so much comfort in His Word. Thanks for stopping by Linda.
Resting awhile at His feet…that is what is on my heart this weekend. And Psalm 27 is my favorite place to hang out. Barbie, I wish I could sit across the table at a coffee shop and encourage you. One of these days we will have to make that happen! Be blessed and Be rested in His presence this weekend! Love, Rachael
I would love that too Rachael. Have a blessed Sunday!
Love your new header photos! May He stir His words in your heart this weekend… calling His love songs to you…
Thanks Pam!
Barbie, Rest dear friend. I heard someone say once rest is not a reward. I think those are wise words, sorry I can’t remember who it was that said them. Blessings, Kasey
Thank you Kasey! I appreciate you!
1 Peter 5:7 ~ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Barbie…I know the spot where you are. When you have spent it all. For me it wasn’t in writing…it was in serving. When I need to rest and be restored I find that I must again lay it all down at his feet. This verse is a good place for me to start. Just reading or reciting it is a release. And then…a walk in nature also seems to feed my spirit as well. It’s like worshiping in his sanctuary.
May you find times of quiet and worship to restore your soul this weekend.
[hugs]
I am weary from the writing, and the serving. Thank you for your encouragement Diane!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Blessings for a restful weekend, Barbie!
In Him, Joan
One of my favorite scriptures!
Dear Barbie
One thing that is just common sense in whatever aspect of our lives, is that we cannot give what we do not have! When you need to force yourself to write from the mind, it will lack the Life of Jesus. But these honest words of melancholy is filled with truth and His life. This speaks to my heart for it is all you are able to give right now. And guess what! It is enough. Rest and be still in the presence of the Restorer of our hearts and souls, my friend! Praying for you.
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank you for your constant encouragement!
Rest is the best! That and soaking in the Word is the answer to being revived. Prayers for you this morning. Just experienced this and am glad I took the much-needed rest. Blessings…
Blessings to you Amy! Soaking in His Word is all I really need.