REST IN HIM

My Dearest Daughter,

Today, I want you to rest. Resting in me can mean many things. It can mean turning your phone off and sitting in my presence, quietly reading a book, or watching a movie that will bring you joy and peace. It also means going about your day, knowing I have your back and I’m fighting for you. Fighting your battles is the thing I enjoy doing the most. No father wants to see their baby stressed and worrying about something he can and will fix. Trust that my Spirit is with you. Rest in me, knowing one of my gifts is peace, and it’s a gift I give out in abundance.

Read Psalm 91 and meditate on the first verse: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Dwell in my presence and allow me to teach you what rest is. Use wisdom and understanding to bring you peace with how you conquer your day and daily struggles. Allow me to be your partner in decision-making, and trust that I move and work by grace.

Love,
Your Father

Read Psalm 91 and Matthew 11:28-30.

Hey, Sis.

Of course, I know I can be honest with you. Today was a day I had to press through. I found myself not doing the things I wanted to do, and I started to panic. So, I took myself to my war room and prayed to the Father. After prayer, I had so much energy. I showered and checked off my to-do list. Then, it dropped in my spirit to watch the 1991 version of Father of the Bride. I actually watched both part one and part two. God had placed it on my heart to watch the movies, and boy, I tell you. It blessed me so much! I remember watching the first movie years ago and wishing I had a father like George Banks. This time, I realized I have a Father who is a lot like George—God! Watching the movies from God’s perspective made me enjoy them even more.

Let’s break down the type of father George Banks is and what he has in common with God. God is a jealous God, careful about who he allows around us, just as George is concerned about who his daughter, Annie, is with. (Most times, it’s our own flesh that invites the wrong people in.) He is also a loving God who wants us to come to him. He allows things to happen so we realize just how much we need him, but also to show us just how much he needs us to trust him, like my girl Annie needed her father, George. During the entire wedding, held at their beautiful home, George was so busy doing operations and making sure it went smoothly, that he missed all the key moments. By the end of the night, he was tired and sad that he may have disappointed Annie on her big day. Annie was whisked off to her honeymoon, and he was sad, feeling like he would never see her again. Then the phone rang, and it was Annie, checking in to thank her father and remind him that she loves him.

Check in with God and remind him how grateful you are for his love and sacrifice. Annie’s dad was on her mind so much that she couldn’t fully rest and enjoy her honeymoon until she stopped to check in and express her gratitude. The funny thing about us is God isn’t left behind when we’re whisked away. He’s getting on that flight with us, making sure our first-class seats are perfect and everything else is set up the way he planned. (Nothing is ruining our wedding day or night because he saw us wait—lol.)

George Banks was an overprotective father who didn’t want to share his baby, Annie. (Sounds familiar right?) But after a while, he realized how mature she was in him and how he raised her. Then, he rested, knowing she was making good decisions with him by her side and the man who chose her was amazing too.

Just as much as God wants us to rest in him and trust the process, he also wants us to fully surrender to him so he can spoil us and give us the desires of our hearts. Let’s not forget that God himself rested when he created the world. Though I did get some work done today, which helped me feel accomplished and proud of myself, I still found ways to rest in his presence and walk in grace.

This week, I ask you to give yourself some grace. Read a book you love. Watch a movie, and if you’re inspired to watch Father of the Bride, please do. It’s so good. Start your Bible study time, and stick to it. Create the content you want to put out. Take a nap. Rest in God.

Love you, Sis. Cam