Step into God's Hot Tub

Step into God’s Hot Tub

Have you ever stayed at a nice hotel that has a big hot tub? The various reactions of people as they come to the hot tub fascinate me. Some hurry, anxious to sink into the warm water. Others hobble or limp, slowed by sore and aching muscles. Still others just want to hide beneath the surface out of self-consciousness at being seen in a swimsuit! But people almost always react the same to the water—they gasp slightly at the heat and then ease down into it with a deep sigh of pleasure. Once in the water, heads loll back and tired arms and legs become weightless. Cares and worries get set aside for a while as bubbles sooth and refresh.

Jesus said, “Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Unfortunately, many long-time believers put God on the back burner because of busy schedules. If they do spend time with the Lord, it seems like a chore to be checked off the list. Even our prayers can be controlled and orchestrated by us (Praise-check. Confession-check. Thanksgiving-check. And then an extensive wish list of our needs and demands).

We miss out on so much when we don’t spend time resting in God’s love. Not reading, praying, writing, or talking—just resting and thinking about how much He loves us and actually wants to hang out with us.

Challenge: Get in the Hot Tub

Today, try to spend just five minutes in a quiet place with your eyes closed, thinking about how it feels to be loved by God. Try letting these thoughts swirl around you—“God loves me and even likes me!”; “God wants to include me!”; “I can lay aside everything for a few minutes and just relax!”

We make things so hard on ourselves, when God wants to make our burdens light.  By spending time resting in God's love, we start to experience what it means to live in God's Kingdom.  It isn't always easy to let go of the control we think we have, but when we do..."Ahhh!  It feels soooooo good!"