[Friday's Devotional] - The River

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11: 28-30 [The Message]

I love this translation of the well known scripture 'Learn the unforced rhythms of God's grace', that's how to truly play this game of life.  In Poker, the 'river' card is the last community card to be dealt and can either deliver a bad blow or be the card needed to beat the opponent, on that fifth and final card, people will say they "rivered" it. (I had to look this up as I never really progressed past Pontoon!).

I love the river! I've often shared how, most lunchtimes, I seek God and lay all my burdens down by the riverside, and that's where Paul had a divine appointment. Acts 16:9-15 tells the story of Lydia who was in the right place, at the right time, with the right heart and attitude. I know I can often blow it for God, yet He can do amazing things through men and women who are prepared to seek him, to follow him, and to be obedient to his vision. We are only limited by the smallness of our own vision.

What excites me about this story is that the Holy Spirit guides Paul and Silas with very clear direction telling them not only where to go, but also where they must not go - Are you seeking clear direction for the way ahead?

I am following Gods lead, after waiting for so long I finally 'heard the sound of going in the Mulberry tree' outside my office window last November and God jokingly said "When it's time to say goodbye, you'll be eating Mulberry pie!"  I leave work this Autumn, I am so looking forward to 'eating pie' - the fruit of obedient waiting, and positioning myself to roll with the unforced rhythms of His grace.

Listen to The River on YouTube 

Dawn Milward