by Holly Newton

When I wrote the devotional book, Exhale: 90 Devotions For Letting Go And Living In Unforced Rhythms Of Grace, my prayer and intention was that it would draw readers closer to our Lord, our Savior, exchanging the weight of life for the unforced rhythms of grace He provides.

We were never meant to live as if it all depends on us. Yet we do this so often, don’t we?

God invites us into an intimate relationship to ‘work with Him‘ not for Him. This idea was a paradigm shift for me several years ago. I reached a juncture and realized the “burn out” I felt came from being exhausted, depleted, striving and living in my own strength. Even in doing all the “right” things – I wasn’t letting Him into the deepest intimate parts of my soul.

When we try to work out life with our limited vision and strength, it becomes daunting. When daily rhythms are dependent solely on what we can “accomplish”, we burn out; give up, doubt, fear, and lose our way.

Our deepest desires realized can’t compare with the soul-rest that comes from abiding. Yet striving comes almost as naturally to our humanness as breathing. God’s Kingdom is the opposite. He created us to dwell and rest in Him.

In my personal journey, the Lord has shown me that it’s in dwelling intentionally in His Word and presence that we receive rest, revelation, and healing. You don’t have to go on that bucket list trip to do this. We can choose daily to intentionally shift our thoughts toward the Lord.

Activities, plans, information, and execution alone don’t bring transformation. His presence and power bring effectiveness in His purposes. There have been times where I ran ahead with “my plan” instead of waiting on God’s complete instructions. I have learned to wait on His timing and it’s only found in the dwelling.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." ⁠
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Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. ⁠
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He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. ⁠
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You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrows that flies by day.⁠
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Psalm 91: 1-5⁠
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There's a strong connection between what we say and what we think. The psalmist here declares "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, on whom I trust."
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⁠Jesus invites you to dwell and rest. In the shadow of Shaddai, He is your refuge and He is faithful, showing you how to live, providing every step of the way.

Holly Newton is Founder of She Lives Fearless. She’s a Texas native who has enjoyed living in Nashville and now Orlando. Besides running the SLF ministry, she is an Author, Speaker, TV and Radio segment speaker, and Podcast Host of the SLF Podcast. Married 32 years to Mark, and Gigi to seven Grands. Connect with her here on the SLF website or on her personal website at hollyanewton.com.