Just Relax Restless Bird


{image via: weheartit.com} 
"People who won't settle down, wandering hither and yon, are like restless birds, flitting to and fro."
{Proverbs 27:8} 

I must confess to you, that I am the daughter who won't settle down in His presence without a struggle. I am the one who cannot seem to make nest where peace reigns and resides at in my heart and mind at times. I am the restless bird, flitting through life, to and fro, never knowing where to go, or how to relax within. I want to let Him show me how to relax my soul, but I strain to pull away from fears and doubts daily. My fears, they leave me restless, in a state of unrest that eats at my worm infested joy. I let my fears eat me alive, out of body and soul. It's sitting still and resting my inner self that stands against me and my sanity. Relaxation is calling...

There are many passages throughout scripture that speak of not worrying, and I am constantly reminded over and over again when I recall their precious words to mind that I am not to fear, but I am instead meant to have faith that my Heavenly Father will clothe and feed me. He wants what is best for me. I know He wants me to truly rest and relax, to cast away my fears and let Him inside. He wants to be the one to calm my restless feathered heart.

I'm sure both you and I have all of the scriptures that tell us not to fret or worry committed and memorized within our hearts and minds, but do we really ever take to heart that we are not to fret and worry? Do we see that we are indeed held in higher regard than all of the beautiful birds in the world? Should we let our fears keep our minds and hearts from taking flight, or should we release our cares and settle down in Him? I think He's calling us to relaxation, with a mind that's stayed on Him.

So what can you and I do to ensure that we don't become like the restless birds? We can meditate, pray, read scriptures, focus ourselves on becoming more Christ-like, try and clear our minds of our worries by talking to a close friend about our life issues, or we could even try our hand at decluttering our hearts by writing out our swimming emotions in a journal. Maybe writing isn't your thing though? You could try playing piano (or another instrument), painting, sewing, reading, taking photographs, walking, biking or doing anything that fills you up and relaxes you (and also invites Him in to calm you) and sends fear and restlessness out with the wind in the door where they belong, so that you can be maxed and fully relaxed, you beautiful bird you!

We are His children, who are worth far more than feathered birds! We should be care free, when in the care of God. Can we find the greatness of His peace together, and let those frenzied feathers rest for a spell? I am starting to learn that it is okay to let my mind get lost in it's many thoughts of creative chaos daily, as long as I remember to reject my fears and let my mind be stayed on Him. Only then, when He is my rock, will I find rest.

Other Scriptures For The Restless Bird: 
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds." (Matthew 6:26, MSG)

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:2, NIV)

"And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward." (Daniel 12:13, MSG)

7 comments:

  1. Beautiful! And always a worthwhile reminder! I am a free spirit and sometimes, I think feeling "restless" at time comes with the territory . . . but feeling like I need to do and be and LIVE are not in themselves bad, if I know how to turn those feelings over to God and let Him work through me to use them to His glory! :) I can empathize with ya! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh dear.... to 'dump' my fears at His feet (and not go back and pick them all up again).... I *need* to do this, but am such a slow learner :(

    Thanks for the reminder :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Sarah Elizabeth-I have a question for your expertise! I notice you use blogging for books? I am in that program, also, and so far I love it! But I also noticed you're using Book Sneeze. I would be interested in joining up with that site, as well; is it okay (kosher, legal, whatever! lol) to be reading and reviewing for more than one such site simultaneously? I'd appreciate your answer, if you know, as I haven't been able to find the answer to that question in the FAQ's of either site! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can empathize with the worrying. For the most part, I'm a laid back, easy going persons. Slightly structured, but still easy going. There are a few things though that tend to cause me to worry or be anxious. When those things come up, my wonderful wife tries to calm me and remind me that God will take care of me/us. One thing that is nice though, is that the things that worry me more, tend to worry her less. And the things that worry her more, worry me less. I think that is just one reason otu of many that God brought us together, because we can complement and encourage one another and build each other up when the other is weaker about or because of something. Sometimes, it is simply hearing those verses you mentioned from my wife that our Godloves us and cares for us and will take care of us that makes me feel better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. {Homeschool on the Croft} I think it takes a lifetime of learning! ;)

    {Dove of Snow - Rachel} As far as I know it is kosher to review for as many different programs as you like. All of the book blogs that I read review books for various different publishers, and they don't seem to have any problems with it...so sign on up!

    {Joe Rudin} I am blessed in that I always have God, and I also have Jared (my guy) by my side. Usually the things I worry over can be calmed and soothed by sharing them with Jay. Jay is my 2nd rock! I'm so glad you have that solid rock, in your wife, Rachel! =)

    ReplyDelete
  6. @Joe: Actually, I call Joe my "rock" (outside of THE Rock, Jesus, of course!)! So we are good for each other, aren't we, Joe? Thanks for posting that about me! :)

    @Sarah Elizabeth: Thanks, I wasn't too sure about it all but I actually did sign up for BookSneeze as of yesterday -- just waiting to be "allowed" into the site after they approve my application and all that jazz. I figured, if it turned out I couldn't have two sites going at once, I'd just cancel one. :) I am excited! I haven't read this much in ages and it's always nice to get free books! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  7. SO much wisdom here,so true. I shall come here when I need this reminder.

    As always, a wonderful thought provoking post. I always read, don't always comment, but always read! Love you!
    Lynnie

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.