When I drew some simple flowers one morning and I wanted to share it with my friends online in my Whispers of Rest Book Club, a critical voice said, “This is child’s play. Please don’t embarrass yourself. Other artists will be like ‘pfft, please.'”
But then I turned to Jesus, and I saw His gentle smile. And then I breathed. And I decided to share this moment with you. I hope it encourages you to be bold and be you.
Don’t listen to the critical voices. Hear instead your loving Savior whisper —
You are beautiful and beloved. And you are cherished, valued, vibrant and here.
We like to hold onto a plan, but Jesus tenderly holds onto your hand.
What would happen if you were to let go of whatever you’re holding onto that’s gripping your heart — and reach instead for what you truly long for? To return to who you’ve always been created to be: alive, to experience something deeper, more beautiful, honest, and real with God? I wonder what you’d discover?
Jesus wants you to say YES to surrendering your heart, rather than putting your safety into executing a plan.
Say yes. Let go of your nets. Set your heart free.
“Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
Matthew 4:20 CSB
I know. It’s not easy letting go of what we’re used to doing, especially if we do things well and people have expectations about what we should do and how we should do them. Someone might not be happy with us or have something to say about the changes we want to make and new things we want to try. Maybe harder still, might be our own expectations of ourselves.
We should be better by now, we shame ourselves — more confident, more trusting of God, less worried, and whatever else.
But, whose critical voice is this really? Is it someone in our past or someone close in your today? Is it someone you look up to, who-you-think-is-stronger-in-faith-with-Jesus than you?
Turn from those voices. Pause and listen to God’s loving whispers to you –
as we look at the winter trees standing bare and beautiful,
as we breathe and notice the snow glistening in the morning light,
as we pause to hold a cup of freshly brewed tea in our hands,
when we miss the feel of a good book as the rain taps on our window pane,
– you realize God’s voice of peace and total acceptance is so much more gentle, like the patient waves that continually wait their turn to return to the shore.
I think that’s why Jesus loved meeting the disciples along the water’s edge. No more toiling and washing empty nets.
Jesus whispers –
Leave the safety of what you know
and let my love be your safety instead.
Be my beloved.
Say yes.
Come follow me. And I will give you rest.
This is a deeper kind of rest, that people who might want to put you in a box (or have you stay in it) – or expect you to do something in order to gain their influence, approval, or attention – won’t understand.
You were made to come alive, just as you are. Turn from the critical voices.
Place your hand in your loving Savior’s and do whatever it is you feel God’s prompting you to enjoy, express, do or begin, when you are wrapped in the safety of the One who calls you His.
For in this very moment in God’s arms of love, you are your true self. You are the beloved.
Pull up a chair. What’s gripping your heart – what is God gently inviting you to let go? What is Jesus calling you to say YES to experience with Him?
By Bonnie Gray, author of the new 40-day devotional detox Whispers of Rest: 40 Days of God’s Love to Revitalize Your Soul.
by Bonnie Gray
Bonnie Gray
Bonnie,
For two months I couldn’t walk and when you can’t “do” much of anything, I got to spend a lot of time in God’s Word, in prayer and conversation with Him, in just “being” in His presence. Once I was ambulatory again, life took on that stressful busy that it has a way of doing. I found myself almost homesick for that time that I couldn’t “do” but was simply forced to “be”. I realized I needed to get back to the basics of holding His hand and being in His Word. THAT is what helps me block out the world’s criticisms and the lies of the enemy that hold me back from being me. Lovely drawing and post….much needed reminder this am.!
Blessings,
Bev xx
thanks for sharing, Bev! may God’s loving words reassure your heart of all the beauty He sees in you!
Please pray for me to have strength today. I am a substitute teacher, and the Lord has shown me the darkness that is overwhelming our kids souls, because even though there are many Christians in the public school system, we have allowed Satan to douse His light by playing by Satan’s “rules,” i.e. the law. Peter and John did not let themselves be silenced, nor did Paul. I feel God’s call to awaken the slumbering Christians to love Him more than their jobs. I may not be welcome as a substitute in this school district after today…but if all the Christians would speak out, there would be too many jobs to fill, there’s no way they could fire us all. Please, please pray for me to have the courage to not listen to the critical voices, and take God’s hand and leave the safety of my nets. God’s timing is perfect! How else would He have had this devotional today. The very day He has called me to step out! Thank you, JESUS!
Sandra, my friend, I will be praying for you. I come from a family of educators and have many dear friends who are teachers, and they see and have seen what you describe. God will pave the way for you to share Him within the school system. Thank you for being obedient to Him! <
Sandra, may the Lord put His word into your mouth and cover you with the shadow of His hand.
Sandra, may you sense God’s nearness in and with you today to bring the Light, hope, and beauty of Christ to places of despair. May the fragrance of Christ smell heavenly to all those you come in contact with. And may He soften the hearts of His kids to stand united in kindness and love, using words when necessary. Hugs!
Praying for you Sandra xo
Thank you Bonnie for blessing us with your encouraging words and artistic gift – the picture is beautiful and deeply touches my heart – Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us – For I know the plans I have for you . . . – I can hear the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit – “let go of your plan my daughter and hold onto my hand” – during this most challenging season of my life, Heavenly Father has been holding my hand every step of the way and I am beyond grateful – blessings to all xo
Sandra,
Kudos to you for speaking out! I pray God’s strength, power & peace to overcome you & your soul! Our children have a right to know how this country was founded. It was on Christian principals. I know God will take care of you!! Praying hard for you now!!
(((((Hugs)))))
Praying.
Also, a personal experience: I was not risking a job, but I took a stand a couple of times with school districts and fully expected to find myself on the 6 O’clock news. Instead, I received an apology, and an explanation. In one instance, the offending material was actually removed from the school library shelf and discarded into the trash barrel. Where I expected ridicule, I instead received respect and saw a change for the better. Only God!
Don’t know if this is your outcome, but be encouraged, Sister!
Peggy
Peggy, I love that testimony of God’s faithfulness! Not that our obedience always results in favorable responses or circumstances, but there is always joy in following hard after Him. Thank you for sharing this encouragement today!
Sandra, agreeing in prayer with these sisters. It blesses my heart that God brought today’s post at just the right time for you.
Thank you, Bonnie, for today’s soul encouragement. May we all keep walking with outstretched hands in faith and trust that He always is ready to take hold of us.
Hi Sandra, may you feel God’s presence with you during your day today and may you speak with kindness as well as honesty. thanks for sharing the challenges you’re facing in this very day with us!
Be encouraged it is so evident that God goes before us making our way perfectly coincide with His good acceptable and perfect will. Just say “Yes, Lord”.
Good morning, Martha! May you feel the pleasure and joy of hearing God’s heart for you, as you say YES today. have a wonderful day with His whispers carrying you through!
I occurred to me as I was reading about the disciples leaving their nets, that Jesus used their nets, post-resurrection, to demonstrate His power over nature (and the first-century fishing industry in Palestine!).
Whatever we give to Him, whatever we place in His hands, suddenly is much more useful than it ever was before.
Thanks for sharing your flowers, Bonnie.
Hi Michele! I love your ah-ha moment – how special it is, that God touches you as you read and thank you for sharing that ah-ha moment with us! and thank you for the kindness about the flowers! 🙂 you’re so sweet!
When I’m already blessed and encouraged by the daily devotion, Michele, your observations and perceptions are always a bonus that I look forward to, that something extra for me to ponder through the day. Thank you for sharing.
Jean, that’s the sweetest thing. Thanks so much for this encouragement!
Needed to hear this so much today. This will be a hard weekend for me and my family. We are laying down my best friend/cousin of over 40 years. She had a massive brain aneurysm at the young age of 46. There was so much more life for her I thought. God, why and how could this be happening I had been asking myself for a few weeks now. I know Your plan is always the right plan God. My little faith and human heart just find it hard to accept it at times, most times. I know the road to recovery will be long and may take my whole lifetime and I trust God will be there every step of the way. So many times, we plan and plan and at the end of the day, it is His plan that will always be better for us even when we cannot understand it. Thanks so much for sharing Bonnie. I appreciate your words of truth…
Maylee,
Praying for you and your family. The death of a loved one-especially one so young-is never easy to accept or understand. God’s ways are higher & better than ours. Prayers for God’s peace & comfort to be with you all this weekend. He will see you through the grieving process.
(((((Hugs)))))
Hi Maylee, I’m so sorry for your loss. May you feel God’s reassure your heart, as you go through the grieving and remembrance of your friend. It sounds like it was a shocking thing to experience, esp. since your friend was so young. Give yourself permission to be kind to yourself and to let the tears flow as the loss and the loving remembrance will give testament to your love for your friend. thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your message today, Bonnie! God touched my heart through your words and I needed it today! Bless you, Tina S.
Hi Tina, It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He know syour heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Bonnue, thank you for your post today! I needed to hear it, and I’m so thankful you wrote it. I’m going to let go of my plan and, instead, hold Jesus’ hand. <
Thanks Bonnie! Praise God from Whom all Blessings flow! <
Hi Lara, thank you for sharing the words that spoke to you so personally. It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He knows your heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Bonnie, this touched my heart. Thank you. I’ve found in recent years that God is far more pleasant than I ever thought possible. He is God, but He is also the lover of my soul and so incredibly gentle. I just so appreciate your words and heart here today. Sharing this.
Hi Pearl! so special to hear how God’s whispers of rest – how his voice has become such a soulful voice to you. I can only imagine the story and the journey you’ve traveled with God! 🙂 It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He knows your heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Thank you Bonnie! I LOVE your posts and tis one is so timely! I need to be prepared for something new and have ben digging my heels in to just “stay” in the old. There has been a huge battle between God’s thoughts and my thoughts in my mind, and I just need to seek Him and His Kingdom purposes and all else will be added!
Hi Daneen, It’s okay. God understands your heart and knows what it feels difficult for you. But that new He’s inviting you hasn’t left you. As you consider the new He’s calling you to step into, I gently encourage you to try an idea that is very powerful: writing down what makes you feel resistant, hesitant, scared or fearful. Rather than pushing it to the side, confide in Jesus – and write a letter to him. As you confide in all that are the reasons why you don’t want to do it – you will feel God’s loving arms holding you and listen and pause to hear what He says in return. Write a second letter – imagining if Jesus were to write you a response (for He will be, after you write the first letter) – and then, you heart will feel freer, knowing God is with you. These are just ideas i wanted to share with you, that are in my book Whispers of Rest that I’m sharing with the Whispers of Rest book club sisters. 😉 If they aren’t helpful, please disregard them. But, it was on my heart as i read your comment. love, bonnie
Bonnie, your drawing is lovely. I am so glad you shared it. Thank you for helping me breathe in Jesus today. I really needed to hear what you wrote.
thank you so much for your kindness, Barbara! 🙂 It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He knows your heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Bonnie,
Your words are a comfort to many. The way you paint a more loving picture of our Savior is soothing to souls. This world could use soul rest. We all rush around so much & just need to slow down. It is in the slowing down that we can see God’s greatness & beauty all around us. It would be great if everyone would let go of their plans & let God handle them. Pray for His will in your life. My plans sure have been changed many times by God. It has always turned out for the good. I’m leaving my FIL in His hands. He was just diagnosed with stage III bladder cancer- almost 90. He already has prostate cancer again. We cling to Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. To give you a hope & a future”.
Blessings 🙂
Hi Beth, It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He knows your heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Thank you, Bonnie. I’ve felt God’s leading to let go of my fear and follow Him on a new adventure in my life. This was the confirmation I needed. I’m letting go of the fear (no longer “my” fear) and holding tight to His hand. And I’m saying “yes” to His invitation. Thanks, again, and God bless you!
Hi Joey!! wow!! how powerful and gentle are God’s whispers of rest to you on this new adventure. As you consider the new He’s calling you to step into, I gently encourage you to try an idea that is very powerful: writing down what makes you feel resistant, hesitant, scared or fearful. Rather than pushing it to the side, confide in Jesus – and write a letter to him. As you confide in all that are the reasons of hesitation or resistance that might surface as you say YES (which is COMPLETELY normal esp if you’re doing something new) – you will feel God’s loving arms holding you and listen and pause to hear what He says in return. Write a second letter – imagining if Jesus were to write you a response (for He will be, after you write the first letter) – and then, you heart will feel freer, knowing God is with you. These are just ideas i wanted to share with you, that are in my book Whispers of Rest that I’m sharing with the Whispers of Rest book club sisters. If they aren’t helpful, please disregard them. But, it was on my heart as i read your comment. love, bonnie
Your ideas are VERY helpful, Bonnie, and I appreciate you sharing them with me!! I do tend to push things aside and just go with God…not always good because those “things” tend to linger and glare at me. And of course the enemy will remind me they are there and I never dealt with them. Yes. I will definitely write those letters. And I can already appreciate the fact that I will have them to look back on if the enemy tries to sneak in any doubts or lies later. The letters will be something tangible I can hold on to in one hand while in the other, the mighty hand of my Savior and Hero who will be pointing out the new and wonderful on the journey we’re taking together. My goodness, what a blessing you’ve given me today Bonnie! May God bless you abundantly for your kindness, encouragement, and support. Yes, many blessings to you, my dear Sister in Christ!!
Bonnie, it’s always such a joy to read your writing. Today I realized I have an appointment that I had forgotten to write on the calendar. I began to get stressed about it and the change in the plans I had for the day. Then I remembered that God is bigger than all of our plans put together. BEING, not DOING, is what the Christian walk is all about. Thanks for the reminder to be still and know.
Hi Kristen! How timely and how powerful God’s voice is – He gently speaks and whispers into what you’re need. And how wonderful you have the sensitivity to hear and respond and relax into the day – eventhough it is so jolting it to have plans disrupted. 😉 beautiful movement to hear God’s whispers of rest for you. It’s so beautiful to hear God touching your heart with His whispers of rest to you, as you read – because He knows your heart and knows what you need. thank you for sharing and blessing us with your sharing. hugs from CA.
Bonnie,
I’m so glad that you decided to share your drawings along with your soothing words this morning. I really enjoyed them both.
Blessings to all,
Penny
There’s a critical voice inside my head that whispers negativity into my spirit, especially when I’m tired. I KNOW whose voice that is: the father of lies. Thank you, Bonnie, for your affirmations from our Savior of Truth: We are cherished, valued, and vibrant. We were made to come alive, just as we are. We can place our hands in the loving Savior’s and do what we feel is God’s prompting for us to enjoy, express, do or begin, because we are wrapped in the safety of the One who calls us His. Amen, Bonnie, Amen!
Hi Bonnie, I am so glad I have been learning about rest and letting go. You are so right about shedding tears, embracing Jesus with Whispers of Rest, we all need those peaceful. quiet moments to seek His presence.
Miss Bonnie,
This post… up to this point… in all of my encounters with (in)courage has hit home and resonated with my soul more than any other.. absolutely amazing and I thank you for sharing your heart with us. Truly an answered prayer. What a blessing… if I were to write the details, big and small, you hit on here I would leave you with a novella! May God bless your day as you seek to serve Him.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Thank you, Bonnie!
Just what I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing. 🙂