Rest Assured

A Recovery Plan for Weary Souls

By Vicki Courtney
Published by Thomas Nelson

Rest Assured is a plan to create room to breathe in our souls again. Ideas for relief from the current hectic lifestyle so many of us are caught up in.

I liked how she calls us to quiet the distracting noises of technology and society, in favor of focusing on Jesus. I also like that she included practical ideas at the end of each chapter.

A “Rest Stop” challenge is included at the end of each chapter for use in Bible studies and book clubs. Bonus material includes a 30-Day Restitution Plan and 100 Ways to Give It a Rest.

Some things I wasn’t happy with…

In chapter 6, she talks about spending time in nature alone with God – no phones, no companions, not even the Bible. So we can focus just on God. My reaction was: “What?!?”
Scripture is the one true test of all the spirits and words we hear. How can my time alone with God be better without Scripture there? I am not speaking of prayer. I am speaking of a retreat specifically to know God better. That seems contradictory to the words of Scripture, that says that Jesus is the Word. John 1:14  You can’t know God without knowing His Words.

Also, the practical ideas would work better if I had a different lifestyle. And that’s the problem.
I have 5 kids in my home, 3 of those I homeschool.
I cook 3 meals a day, and my husband comes home for all 3, so no pb&j here!
I also have a garden, yard, and large home that must be maintained by me & the kids.
I am randomly called on to cook for the crew.
I am a fostermom.
So no, I cannot just ‘escape’ for several hours per week, or go on a 3 day retreat,  nor do I have any desire to! My desire is to learn peace and rest at the feet of Jesus, in the midst of my daily duties.

One of my favorite quotes is from Annie Poonen:
“The whole world is God’s footstool, so we can sit at the feet of Jesus wherever we are.” 

Another from Brother Lawrence, loosely quoted, as I can’t find the exact words:
“I can be as much in the presence of God amid the clanging and clatter of pots and pans in the kitchen, as when I am in silence at my times of prayer.”

That’s the kind of retreat and renewal I desire – daily, hourly, at the feet of my Jesus in my heart.

Overall, the writing was a bit tepid for my taste. It did not stick with me, did not challenge me, convict me, or change me. I found it a bit boring, really. When I read an inspirational book, I want it to inspire. This did not do that for me.

You can check it out here: Rest Assured

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