Most Important Thing

We all need to get away, don't we? We get into a rut, trudging through the same routines day after day. The boss is on your case. The kids are bored. YOU'RE bored. Everyone is so tired of the same old thing. You need a change of scenery.   

So you load up and get away -- "vacate" the premises. You make a clean escape from the hassles of daily life. You go someplace you've always wanted to visit. You see and do things you would never get a chance see and do at home. You just enjoy yourself, have some fun with your family or friends.   

How totally relaxing! You come back with new energy and enthusiasm. Your soul is restored! You feel like a brand-new person!   

Hate to rain on your parade, but you know it won't last, don't you? The boss is still there, and no one does your work while you are away. It won't be long before the kids are complaining again: "I'm bored!"   

What you need is vacation all the time, right? (Minus the road trip. "Are we there yet?")   

God has that kind of renewal, and it's just waiting on you.    It starts with a new creation. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things have passed away; new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). You open your life to Jesus, and He comes in and changes everything. It's a brand-new you!   

But that's just the beginning. With that new life comes a personal relationship with God. The Bible says its' like the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep.   

"The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. He gives me cool, green pastures to lie down in. He leads me to refreshing pools of water. He restores my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3).   

You can't always pick up and run off on vacation when things get difficult. Spend too much time away, and your boss will find someone to replace you.   

But Jesus is always there. He's waiting for you every morning when you get up. He's right there when you have a problem during the day. He gives you strength when you're struggling and a smile just when you need it most.   

Totally relaxing! New energy and enthusiasm! Your soul is restored! You feel like a brand-new person!   

And the best part is, it lasts forever!