Day 20 of seeking Jesus first for a restful homeschool. Are you feeling a bit closer to Him that before? Is your homeschool feeling a bit more restful?
Yes? Then it’s time to rejoice!
It is time to celebrate all that He has done. Thank Him for the ways that He has answered your prayers. Write down a reminder of how He has revealed Himself to you. Reflect on what you have learned. Consider a new way of seeking Him that you have begun to practice. Rejoice that He is able and He acts on your behalf.
But wait, maybe you’re not really feeling much different than you did before Day 1.
No? Not feeling restful? It’s still time to rejoice!
You see, celebrating God’s goodness is not dependent on what is going on around us. Rejoicing in God is based in Who He is, and He never changes. Sometimes we have to make an intentional choice.
Sometimes we have to choose to rejoice. Perhaps it is in these dark times that we can truly appreciate Him for the God that He is.
“The people who were sitting in great darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned.”
Matthew 4:16
If we will just open our eyes in the darkness, perhaps we will see the Light brighter than at other times. But we must choose to open our eyes.
Celebrating, giving thanks, rejoicing, are ways we force our eyes to see. We focus on the good that God is doing despite the heaviness of circumstances around us. Rejoicing helps us to see.
Sometimes the choice to rejoice requires a stubborn resolve.
Will you make the intentional choice to rejoice today…
- Even if the diagnosis lingers?
- Even if the grief hangs heavy?
- Even if the conflict persists?
- Even if your plea for help appears unanswered?
God is always good. His love always endures. His mercies always come new each morning. After the Light dawns, He continues to shine brighter and brighter.
Let’s rejoice in Him!
Today’s Heart Challenge:
Rejoice! Write down ten reasons to rejoice.
That might be simple.
But will you take a challenge?
Think of an area in your life that is dark right now, and write down ten reasons to rejoice in that situation.
Watch as His Light begins to shine brighter around you, just like the dawn.
Today’s Homeschool Prayer:
Extended Trials
One Day 15, we prayed through the life interruptions that tend to disrupt our lovely homeschool plans. But sometimes, the disruptions linger for an extended period of time. Extended trials of chronic illness, caregiving for a loved one, mental illness refuse to pause for regularly scheduled school time.
What trial in your life refuses to allow you to rest? Seek Jesus first. He knows what is going on and passionately cares for you in the midst of it. He has an amazing way of turning everything into good.
Hang on in faith, and rest in confidence that He is still a good God. Ask Him for that rest in the midst of the trial.
Seek Jesus first. He can give rest to your heart in the midst.
Write out your prayer as you evaluate, surrender and receive rest despite extended trials.
EVALUATE
- Ask yourself if this area of your homeschool life is currently restful.
- Ask God to reveal any cues of unrest in your heart.
SURRENDER
- Surrender your efforts to fix the problem.
- Surrender your expectation of the outcome.
RECEIVE
- Ask God to give you grace and rest in the midst of your current struggle.
- Ask Him to give you guidance for ONE THING you can do to cultivate rest in this area.
Keep seeking Him first!
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