He Restores My Soul

The past couple months have been really busy for us. With our 3 little ones home from school and my husband and I trying to stay on top of a busy work season, plus finishing up all the final details before publishing my book, we’ve been feeling a bit worn down.

It is easy in times of busyness, or fear, or exhaustion, to look for ways to restore or recharge ourselves. I tend to look for short funny videos on Youtube or a good fantasy or sci-fi audiobook that I can play while doing other things. Those are my favorite “escapisms.”

I haven’t had a whole lot of time for those forms of escapism lately, but I also haven’t had much time for my traditional quiet times either. Our little ones are not deterred even by locked doors, rest times, or bedtimes and most of the moments when they are supposed to be in their rooms have been spent rushing to get other work done anyway. However, I’ve been finding some surprising new types of quiet moments and moments of worship in this season.

One unexpected area of quiet time has been as I’ve been searching for photos of nature (for zoom backgrounds and blog photos). As my heart is touched by those scenic nature images, I feel myself taking deeper breaths, unexpectedly releasing tension, and my soul engaging in worship of the Creator. I’ve been hearing Him whisper the words “He restores my soul” from Psalm 23. Just those short moments refocus and somehow refill my tank (more so than any funny videos or audiobooks).

Another new type of moment with the Lord has come through worship. A dear friend recently made us worship flags, so the children and I have been turning on worship music and dancing and waving our flags in worship to the Lord. And sometimes when the kids are supposed to be in bed (or afternoon quiet time), I’ll grab my flags and worship on my own. I’ve never been one to dance in worship or use worship flags in the past (so I’m sure I look pretty silly), but I find my soul worshiping in a deeper way—I feel the Lord responding to my worship in a way I’ve never experienced before.

It would be easy to give in to condemnation in this season. The enemy speaks to me: you’re failing because you haven’t been able to fit in much Bible reading and journaling this month. But God speaks a better word over me, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 28-30 (NIV)

What is this season of life like for you? What are your favorite forms of escapism (no condemnation—we all need a break at times)? What new and different ways have you found to worship God in this different sort of season? In harder moments, how have you been experiencing God’s refreshing? What is He saying to you?

If you’d like to worship with me, see my current worship playlist here.

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2 Comments

  1. You write so beautifully Emily wow you get right to the heart of the issue surround it and capture it and present it in such a way that it all makes sence. Love knowing you..❤🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎯

  2. Music has been a great balm for my soul too! I am taking time to worship through playing the keyboard and guitar, things that I usually don’t have time to do during busy work weeks. I love Guitar Tabs that let’s me play along with my favorite Christian artists!

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