Rest and Renewal

As the weather begins to change into fall, we see the earth shift in preparation for winter. The leaves fall, the grass withers, and if you didn’t know better, you might think that what was once alive and vibrant has died with no hope of return. Yet this dormant state of winter is a time of slowing down—of conserving energy and protecting life from the cold. What’s key is that the plants’ root systems store energy and water to survive the winter and prepare for active growth when the time is right.

A strong root system is vital to any living process. The same is true for our spiritual lives. When Christ calls us to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30) and abide in Him (John 15), He is inviting us to protect what is most vital—our hearts and souls. When our roots are grounded in Christ, we are prepared for times of drought and hardship. We may not know what lies ahead, whether good or bad, but when our roots are firmly established in Him, we are protected no matter what we face.

As we’ve experienced the seasons of life year after year, we know that after enduring the wintry times, God will call us again to grow. Let’s use these moments of rest and renewal to prepare for the next season of life and fruitfulness. As a church, we’ve had to navigate a challenging few months—times that have reminded us of our deep need to run to Jesus for rest, to abide in Him for protection and renewal, so that we will be ready when the Father’s call to go becomes clear once again.