Over the last two weeks I have shared thoughts about making space in our lives for rest and relaxation. For many, summer offers a chance to pause. We have thought about physical space, and about mental and emotional space.
Recently, I have been thinking about the value of making space for more than physical rest. Perhaps you like to go on retreat. Perhaps you listen to music. However we do it, most of us gain much from pushing daily pressures to the edge of our minds.
In Psalm 23, verse 3, the psalmist writes: “He restores my soul.” The psalm speaks of God’s presence with us. God leads us on right paths and helps us through difficulty. It ends by gathering up, in broad terms, the many blessings we receive from him.
Aristotle, who lived before the time of Jesus, is often linked with the saying, “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Simply, empty space does not usually remain empty for long. When space opens up, something tends to move into it. That is true in the physical world, and it can also be true in our inner lives.
Holidays and other forms of rest create space. What fills that space depends, at least in part, on our approach. We may fill it with activity or friendship. Both can be good. But for Christians seeking to grow in relationship with God, reduced pressure can also make room for God to replace some of the things that have occupied us.
When we go to a quiet place, the place itself matters less than the disposition of our hearts. What matters is whether we allow inner space for God.
As we make space, and as our minds are prayerfully focused on God, he can use the opportunity. He can set about restoring our soul and drawing us closer to his will and presence. “He restores my soul.” This is not a one-off statement, but a description of an ongoing process.
A prayer
Lord God, we thank you for the opportunity to pause in our busy lives and to deepen our connection with you. However we do this, support us by your grace, so that we may stand back and allow you to come in and restore our souls; for Jesus’ sake. Amen.