October holds a profound significance for our spiritual practice. After all, it is a transition season in nature. It's when everything around us prepares for the quiet rest of winter, reminding us of the changing rhythms. The stillness of an October evening, with stars twinkling above, mirrors the stillness we are called to embrace in our souls.
As we step into this month of serene contemplation, we begin to notice a tranquility in this pursuit, a beckoning to pause, to inhale deeply, and to direct our hearts toward Our Lord. In these moments of stillness, we commune with Our Lord in a more personal manner. The hustle of our lives often muddles our ability to discern His message, but we find lucidity, serenity, and guidance in the quiet of reflection. As we assemble for this devotional on an October Saturday, we harmonize our spirits with the natural rhythm of rest the season bestows, fostering a sense of peace and tranquility.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28, KJV)
This familiar passage from the Gospel of Matthew invites us into the heart of Our Lord's message. He acknowledges that we carry burdens of work, responsibilities, and emotional and spiritual weight. Yet, He offers us something profound in return: rest. Rest is not just about giving our bodies a break; it's about finding a profound spiritual renewal by handing over our worries and burdens to Our Lord. In today's world, where success is often measured by how much we can accomplish, it's easy to feel guilty about slowing down. Resting makes us lazy or unproductive. But Our Lord shows us a different truth—rest is not only important, it's necessary for the health of our souls. When we pause, it's not our strength or work that refreshes us, but His grace restores and revives us. As we rest, He fills us with peace and stability, reminding us that we should not carry our burdens alone.
This invitation to rest is an active decision to set aside time for reflection. As October brings shorter days and cooler nights, we are encouraged to follow the natural rhythm of creation—to slow down, to find peace in the quiet moments, and to reflect on the goodness of Our Lord and Saviour. Reflection goes beyond looking back on the past or thinking about plans. It's a deliberate act of turning our hearts toward Our Creator, asking for His guidance, and being open to hearing His message. In these moments, we find direction, comfort, and reassurance, knowing that He is with us, guiding our steps.
"And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat."
(Mark 6:31, KJV)
In this passage from the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus offering rest to His disciples after a long period of ministry. Even at the height of His work, Our Lord understood the need for rest and solitude. He knew that without moments of reflection, the soul becomes weary, and the heart becomes heavy. He called His disciples to a desert place—not a place of comfort or luxury, but a place of stillness, where they could be alone with Him and find renewal.
In the same way, we need to step away from the world's noise and distractions. In our modern lives, we must intentionally seek out moments of solitude and reflection. When we set aside the noise and distractions of life in these moments, we encounter Our Lord more profoundly. In the quiet, we find His peace, comfort, and direction.
Imagine Emma, a young professional, overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and personal obligations. Her days are filled with meetings, deadlines, and the constant pressure to perform. Despite her hard work, she feels a growing sense of emptiness—a longing for something deeper, something more meaningful. One Saturday in October, Emma decides to step away from the noise and distractions of her life. Instead of rushing through her to-do list, she takes a moment to sit quietly by the window, watching the autumn leaves fall. With a cup of tea in hand, she opens her Bible, seeking guidance and comfort from scripture.
In that tranquil moment of reflection, Emma realizes her constant striving has not brought her peace. Instead, she finds peace in the stillness, in the intentional act of setting aside time for Our Lord. Through reflection, she understands that rest is not about doing less but trusting more in Our Lord. This small moment becomes a turning point in Emma's life. From that day forward, she commits to setting aside time each week for reflection and rest, trusting that Our Lord will guide her through every challenge, and she begins to feel revitalized and refreshed.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27, KJV)
In this passage, Our Lord offers us peace unlike anything the world can give. This peace goes beyond our circumstances, beyond the chaos and confusion of life. You can find the peace you seek in His presence. Our Lord freely gives us this gift as we take time for reflection and rest. It's not something we can earn or accomplish on our own; it comes when we open our hearts to Him and allow Him to fill us with His calming presence.
The world offers many solutions for finding peace—self-help books, meditation practices, and various forms of relaxation. But the peace Our Lord offers is different. It is a peace that calms the storms within us, settles our anxious thoughts, and gives us the strength to face whatever challenges come our way. Rest within Him and be renewed physically, spiritually, and emotionally—his peace guards our hearts and minds, allowing us to live confidently and trust His plan.
"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
(Isaiah 30:15, KJV)
This passage reinforces the principle of reflection and rest found throughout scripture. In quietness and trust, we see our strength—not in the constant demands of life but in the stillness of our hearts as we turn toward Our Lord. This is a paradox of the Christian life: in surrendering our need for control, we find peace; in resting in Him, we find strength.
As we consider these truths, let's consider how we can apply them in our own lives. We are called to something different in a world that values constant activity and demands. We are called to rest. His plans for us are good, and He will guide us through every season, no matter how uncertain or challenging life may seem. By embracing His peace, we can let go of the pressure to always be doing and find comfort in knowing He is leading the way.
Here's a thought: How can I make room for quiet reflection and rest? How can I slow down and trust Our Lord more fully during those peaceful moments? As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, "Be still, and know that I am God." It could be setting aside time each day to pause, pray, or read scripture, or it could be learning to let go of worries and trust that He is in control, even when life feels overwhelming.
Here's something you can do: Set aside time for quiet reflection each Saturday. Find a peaceful spot, whether outside in nature or a quiet corner in your home and spend that time praying and reading scripture. Ask Our Lord to lead you into rest and renewal. You can start with these passages:
- Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
- Psalm 23:2: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
- Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Use this time to quiet your heart and let Him restore your spirit.
Remember that proper rest is found not in the absence of activity but in the presence of Our Lord. With its falling leaves and cooler days, October reminds us that there is a time for everything—a time to work, rest, and reflect. Just as Our Lord withdrew to quiet places for renewal, so must we seek moments of solitude and reflection. In doing so, we align ourselves with His peace, allowing Him to renew our strength and guide our steps. As it is written, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Let this truth guide us as we pursue reflection and rest in the days ahead.
Share the Blessing
Thank you for spending time with us in reflection today. By recognizing Our Lord's hand in all things, both the blessings and the challenges, we can grow in faith and live with a heart full of thankfulness. If this devotional has blessed you, we encourage you to share it with others needing rest and peace. Let's continue to support one another in our pursuit of spiritual renewal by spreading the message of His peace.
We also welcome your thoughts and prayer requests as we continue to build a community centered around faith, love, and purpose. To receive more monthly devotionals like this, subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. To support our ministry, consider contributing to the Sanctum of the Redeemer to continue bringing spiritual nourishment to our community.
Together, let us journey toward deeper reflection and rest in Our Lord. May you walk in wisdom and light, always guided by His truth. In Jesus' name, Our Lord and Saviour.
