For many years now, I’ve kept some form of an online blog as a place to let my journals overflow into the hands of my friends and family (and the occasional stranger). It’s been a strange experience to see the places those once-private thoughts have landed, but I believe that the Lord gives each of us stories of grace, redemption, hope, and imperfection that are longing to be told to display His glory. Since being back in Thailand over the past few months, I’ve found that my blog has stayed silent while I’ve hashed out my thoughts through my social media accounts. Despite many of my posts turning into mini-blogs, I’ve felt the stories crying out to be told fully, and so this week I’d like to invite you into the uncut versions of my social media feed, in hopes that the words of the Lord find you and lift up your weary or discouraged hearts.

The Quiet Place

And Jesus said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

Mark 6:31 (ESV)

Not far from where I live is one of the largest open-air markets in the world. It’s conveniently located right next to the train station where I find myself nearly every Sunday in order to get pretty much anywhere in Bangkok … and so I often find myself inside the maze of the market.

The last time I ventured through countless vendors and enthusiastic tourists and locals alike, I found myself on a quiet backstreet. A man not far from me was just sitting and watching the people pass by. It reminded me just how important it is for all of us to find the quiet spaces in our lives, if only to be able to catch our breath and enjoy the view from the outside for a little while.

There are days here when I will fully admit to feeling hopeless for the people around me and for their eternities. I’m sure there are days when you look around in your office spaces, your coffee shops, or while watching the news when you feel as if there’s no hope for the future, or that there’s no encouragement for the faithful any longer.

I realized while standing on that backstreet of one of the busiest markets I’ve ever been in that these quiet spaces are vital to the health and the vitality of our faith. It’s in escaping to these quiet spaces in our lives where we are reminded that absolutely no one is outside the reach of sweet Jesus.

We need the quiet spaces to remind us of what we know, to teach us to listen more closely to Truth, and to steep ourselves in the grace and patience of the Gospel. Find your quiet spaces today, and visit them often. Be refreshed and encouraged as you take the time to breathe!

Chelsey