I’ve been struggling with what to write. I want to keep God’s Word before you every week, but lately I’ve been in a slump.

You might call it a funk, a rut, a stagnation, or simply a downer. 

I wasn’t depressed, ill, or even extra busy.

I might blame it on the heat (it’s been hot here in SC), or the summer blues, or a slow down in ministry. I could blame it on some circumstances beyond my control. But here’s the reality: I’m not sure what caused it.

I’m usually a positive person and love to write and share God’s Word. But I didn’t feel like doing anything. 

What I needed was refreshment in the soul. I needed a pick-me-up.

Rather than turn to temporary fixes, I decided to bring it before God. 

This post is unlike others because I’m not here to give you a remedy or share tons of verses that helped me. And I’m not going to give you a theological discourse.

I just want to share what God said to me when I told Him I was in a slump (of course, He already knew it).

He told me to drop what I was doing and go to the park. Really? That’s all?

We have a beautiful park in Greenville, South Carolina – this is what prompted us to move here two years ago from Michigan. I hadn’t been there in awhile.

So, I grabbed my Bible and headed to the park. It was hot, but bearable in the shade.

The park

Here’s a picture of my view as I sat…  

I wish we lived closer because I would be there every day.

I sat! I read passages of Scripture! I watched! Watched kids jumping over the rocks, families playing with their dogs, people eating lunch, and others just walking the paths. 

I listened to the birds singing. I felt a light breeze on my skin. And I enjoyed the quiet movement of the water.

What I thought was a silly idea to fix my slumpness (I know that’s not a word, but just go with it for now), turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The group that stopped by

Here’s another beautiful thing. I was approached by two groups of teenagers who had come to the park to tell people about Jesus. I love when churches are committed to training the next generation to be on mission with Jesus and to help people see their need for Jesus. I had to take a picture of this group because they were so sweet. And we ended with prayer together.

It felt like I took a LOOOONG nap, but only much better. When we wake up from a nap, sometimes we’re groggy. I’m always hungry.

But this rest provided me with a renewed spirit. In fact, the next day when I got up, I felt refreshed and ready to tackle the next task.

I felt excited again. Joyful. And ready to celebrate my 33rd anniversary this weekend. YAY!

Did you know that God commanded rest from the very beginning of time? I’m currently editing my Wilderness Wanderings Bible study and teaching it on this blog. Here’s an excerpt that fits into today’s topic: 

From the earliest of times, God instituted rest. Even demanded it! God Himself created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. He instructed His people to rest from their labor on the seventh day. One ordinance God established for the nation of Israel was to make the seventh year a year of rest. Once Canaan was conquered, Israel was awarded a time of rest. During Asa’s reign, a period of rest from war was appointed. The disciples were led to a quiet place for rest. And the future holds for the believer a rightful place of rest. Hence, God shows us throughout Scripture the importance of rest.

After spending two hours at the park – yes, that’s all it took – I know why God instructs us to rest. 

Rest is good for the soul. So, if you feel in slump, or depleted, or simply worn out, let me encourage you to find a place to just rest. 

Go to the park for a couple hours. Sit outside in a lounge chair. If you need to, find someone to watch your kids so you can be by yourself for a short period. 

I guarantee, God will refresh your spirit. 

No wonder God tells us to rest. We need it. 

I realize that this post wasn’t anything deep or profound, but now that I’ve been to the park and feel renewed, I can get back to those deeper things.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for taking the time to read this. And thank you for passing it on. I know you will.

Have a blessed (relaxing) day,