RESisT is REST

Each January, we gather the Entrusted and review the hopes, dreams and 'word' from the previous year.  Then we set a timer for the number of minutes of the new year (2021 = 21mins.) and write in our journals for this allotted timeframe.  When the time is done we talk through our words.

I knew my word clearly.  I had seen it first a couple months ago as we read through James.  I was not looking for it, but it seemed to jump off the page:

'Submit yourselves, then, to God.  RESIST the devil, and he will flee from you.'  James 4:7

I remember reading this verse with fresh enthusiasm about what life might look like if the devil were to flee.  Daily we continued our trek through the New Testament and before long we read this:

'Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST him'  1 Peter 5:8-9a

And there was my word...resist.  To be honest, I didn't want this six-letter word.  It felt negative.  But I had confirmation in my spirit and I knew it was chosen for me.  So I let it begin to simmer in my mind and heart. 

I am a word-girl.  I love words.  They are powerful.  I am also extremely visual in my learning style, so this particular word actually had a beautiful word inside that I could see...REST.  

Have I mentioned that I am a tired Mom before?  Likely I have.  Rest is a lovely four-letter word that does something visceral to me.  It is synonymous with hope on my weariest days.  It is a word marked by goodness.

And so once again, by grace, I was given my word for the year.  Marching orders truly.  RESisT is to REST.  RESisT is REST.  My perceived negative word, was actually a formulaic gift from the Father.

So my friends and dear children, I will resist these things specifically to ensure the rest for my soul...Google, sugar and most importantly looking back.

I am not a virtual-type person.  Literally every friend I have is a real human/flawed/unique/image-bearing person.  The world of social media is foreign to me.  Google however, has become a quick go-to over the years for every recipe, trivia "fact" and curious background information.  It has lured me and held me captive to the screen of my phone.  Google is not evil, but it does not lead to my rest.  In contrast, books do offer solace and respite.  So in 2021 I will resist Google whenever possible and be holding the gift of thoughtful literature even more!

Oh sugar - you terrible thing that I love.  Sugar in all forms is the apple in the garden that just seems to whisper (at times screaming) slithery words... "Did God really say?"  I know that many would argue that sugar is not evil, but in my story it has led to repeated sin and taken me further away from the grace of Jesus, not closer.  Funny how often we ignore the sins of too much.  Sugar is a too much in my life.  Resisting will offer me rest, both physical and spiritual.

Resist looking back.  Back to New Year's Day.  As we took turns sharing our words for 2021, I was slightly reluctant to share, unsure if my preteen boys could understand the depth of RESisT.  Kadan listened to each point and after I mentioned that I plan to resist looking back, he spoke up "Mom resist looking back or you will become a pillar of salt like Lot's wife."  Oh that child.  Yes Kadan, exactly.  Looking back locks us in a posture of past hurt, past sin, past longings.  

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Phil. 3:13b

Paul wrote this fantastic call to forget what is behind so that the young church might grow in maturity.  I too want to grow up in this area and no longer be stuck looking back.  Thank you Kadan for seeing the connection between resisting looking back and the rest that lies ahead.

So RESisT is REST.  What word will guide you?