Escape, if even for a week or so from “the grind”. Our tasks keep us so busy, responsibilities tax our stamina physically, emotionally and spiritually. By this time of year we really do need some rest, recharging, a place to step away from “the rat race”. We get so burdened with duties sometimes that our need of a respite even includes the Lord and His folk. A break from our duties with God’s people and our study of God’s Word, prayer and worship. I long to feel a cool, gentle breeze blowing across my face at a beautiful location, a location that displays the beauty of God’s creation and of sufficient magnitude that it demands a hushed awe before my God. A place that when found becomes “my place” that never disappoints, will always be accessible whenever my need arises. This place always brings me the promised restoration, exhilaration and emotional healing. That’s the vacation spot I need. How about you?
However; when I start including my Lord and Savior as one of the burdens of my life that need to be lifted for relief, the Holy Spirit brings me up short. He makes my heart and head remember His words. He pricks my soul to ask for forgiveness before Him and I testify with the Psalmist, “But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped….Until I came into the sanctuary of God…”, Psalm 73. The Psalmist also says, “How lovely are Your dwelling places. O LORD of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King, and my God. …. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O LORD of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!” (Psalm 84, selected)
I wholeheartedly endorse this location for your next vacation. The place to feel a cool, gentle breeze blowing across your face at a beautiful location, a location that displays the beauty of His creation and of sufficient magnitude that it demands a hushed awe before Him. A place that when found becomes “your place” that never disappoints, will always be accessible whenever your need arises. This place satisfies your needed restoration, exhilaration, and emotional healing and the rest you long for…it’s in His presence, together! May our vacation include the enjoyment of our Eternal, Loving, Patient, Good, Restoring, Healing, Forgiving, Saving Almighty God this Summer!
Robert Thompson has been the senior pastor of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Snellville since May 2003. He graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1986. Robert is also Chairman of the Board of Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship. He and his wife Wanda have been married for 43 years. They have three adult daughters, Amanda and twins Rebecca and Sarah. Amanda is married to Jerry Jones and they have three daughters of their own. Rebecca is married to Wesley Payton; they have two sons. Sarah is married to Mark Magdziarz and they have two daughters and two sons.
Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church
3800 Lenora Church Rd.
Snellville, GA 30078
web: www.chapelwoods.org
e-mail: pastor@chapelwoods.org
phone: (770) 978 1445
