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by Niki Turner

photo by ishmatt	via PhotoRee

I grew up in a "resort" community—a place where people went on vacation to rest, to relax, to leave their troubles behind as they swooshed down the ski slopes, hiked in the Rockies, or soaked away their stresses at the world's largest outdoor hot springs pool. While they visited, they laid aside their cares and worries, put off obligations and responsibilities, and gave spirit, soul, and body a few brief moments of uninterrupted peace and quiet.

To be honest, we learned to take rest and relaxation very much for granted because it was so easy to access.  It wasn't until we moved away that I realized how rare and valuable the "resort spirit" really is to the health and well-being of our spirits, souls, and bodies. Not living in constant vacation-mode, but finding our way to our "resort" in God.

photo by bridgepix	via PhotoRee

Too often, God is only mentioned with the word resort when we're talking about "our last resort." Last chances, needing a miracle, and utter desperation. But the very word "resort" is defined as a place (or person) to which people frequently or customarily go for help, for aid, and for satisfaction.

Can you imagine living in a resort? Living, for example, on the Love Boat (who didn't want to be Julie the cruise director?) or Fantasy Island? Whether your idea of the perfect resort is a luxurious ski lodge where you strap on your skis outside your front door and schuss off to the lift in the morning, and end the day soaking in a private hot tub, or a sprawling all-inclusive oceanfront hotel with turquoise waters and swaying palm trees, your Father God knows exactly what you need for rest, recovery, and relaxation.

photo by Storm Crypt	via PhotoRee

In these days, the last days or end times, many believe, it's more important than ever for us to know how to find rest and refreshment in God--that place where your pains and sorrows melt away and you are just aware of Him. Just watching the morning news is enough to deposit a spirit of heaviness on your soul some days. Look at what David described in Psalm 71:3:

photo by Carson Coot	via PhotoRee

Be to me a rock of refuge in which to dwell, and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually resort, which You have appointed to save me, for You are my Rock and my Fortress. (Amplified Bible)

God wants us to enjoy perpetual "resort life" with Him. Not being ignorant of what's taking place around us, nor being irresponsible about our callings, our duties, or our privileges, but knowing where to go to be restored in spirit, soul, and body.

How do we get there? We've got a standing reservation. All it takes is a simple request and an awareness that God is there, ready to refresh, to shelter, and to offer comfort and peace in His presence. Our refreshing comes from purposefully stopping, turning in faith, and entering into His presence (Acts 3:19).

You might travel to YOUR resort via music, studying the Scriptures, through silence, in nature, even in acts of service for others ... but whatever your God-resort looks like, don't relegate him to a two-week vacation once a year. Go there every day!


Niki Turner writes romantic fiction, Christian non-fiction, blog posts, articles in the local newspaper, grocery lists, and Facebook status updates. Her first completed manuscript won second place in the 2009 Touched By Love contest for contemporary category romance. Colorado natives, Niki and her husband of 20+ years have four children (three at home) and are soon-to-be grandparents. In 1998 they planted a church in rural northwestern Colorado. Currently, they share their home with three teenage boys, two black Lab mutts, and Niki’s absurdly spoiled Westie, Archie. Niki can be found at In Truer Ink, her personal blog and website, here at Inkwell Inspirations, and at The Pastor’s Wife Speaks.