Friends
Have you ever had the pleasure of enjoying our National Parks? I certainly hope so. To me, the National Parks are one of the greatest blessings of our democracy. Make a plan to visit one of the National Parks soon. You won’t be disappointed!
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I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you.
Psalm 141:1 – NIV
It was a chilly gray morning as we trotted up the boardwalk toward the impressive mound of rock that contains the Mammoth Hot Springs, one of the major highlIghts of YellowStone NationaL Park. The rock formation is massive. It has to be in order to support the enormous cauldron of boiling water that lies below the surface. We watched in fascination as the scalding water bubbled up from its frothy pool,lapping over its granite barrier and streaming down the rock face, leaving a trail of mineral deposits that cover the dark rock with a frosty white crust.
As we traveled up the boardwalk toward the viewpoint above the cauldron, we heard a sound that stopped us in our tracks. It was the scraping sound of footsteps on the crusty white rock. With a gasp of amazement, Eric exclaimed, “Look! It’s a bull elk! He’s right up there at the top of the ridge!”
My eyes followed the length of his outstretched arm and sure enough, there was a huge bull elk paused at the edge of the crusty rock face, his impressive rack of antlers silloehetted against the gray overcast sky. There was a sudden scramble of hooves as the bull launched himself down the hill aiming directly for the stream of water that cascaded down the cliff. He paused for a lengthy sip before raising his head to scan his surroundings. Suddenly, there was a burst of bellowing sound that echoed across the hilltop. The bull had spotted his herd in the distance. He was calling to his females, beckoning them to come and follow him. He bellowed out another loud call and then scrambled across the water soaked rock face. He continued his jaunt toward the far side of the hot springs before fading from view.
What an amazing sight! Eric and I grinned at each other, absolutely thrilled to have witnessed this wonder of nature.
The memory of that bull elk’s call still lingers in my ears. I have never heard any sound quite like it. It was a beckoning, a command. The bull was gathering his herd, bringing them to him, ensuring their safety.
That beckoning call brought to mind another call, the call of Jesus. He beckons us to come to Him, to draw near, to seek the comfort, protection and safety of His outstretched arms. He calls to us in Matthew 11:28-30, “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 11:28-30, NIV).
Rest, peace, relief from our heavy burdens, these are the comforts Jesus offers. He longs to welcome us into His protection. He is ready and waiting to unload our heavy burdens, to provide respite for our weary souls. The call is to trust Him, to take His yoke upon us, to follow His commands. When we let go of our wandering ways and choose to follow in His way, He promises what we cannot find anywhere else, rest. Real rest. Peace. Peace that passes all understanding.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).
Do you hear His call today? Lay down your burdens at His feet. Find rest for your weary soul as you place your trust in Him. Hear His words. They are meant for you. Yes, you, and me, right here, right now. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NIV).…
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Do not be far from me, my God; come quickly, God, to help me.
Psalm 71:12 – NIV
PRAYER
O Lord Jesus, let us hear Your call. May we come to You and find Your rest. Our burdens weigh us down, Lord. Our souls are so weary from trying to carry our heavy loads alone. O Lord, give us ears to listen for Your loving call. O Dear Jesus, grant us Your peace that passes all understanding.
In the Loving Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Blessings,
Anita
-APS 10/18/2021
Faith Beyond Sight 