You're listening to Encounter, a simple daily podcast of sacred and mindful meditations

to help you encounter the divine presence of God all throughout your day.

If you want to have free access to the entire library of 500 meditations, I encourage

you to download the Encountering Peace app where all the meditations are free as they should be.

A Somaliye is a wine steward that is highly trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of wine.

By simply looking at the glass and smelling the aromas and then taking a quick sip,

a master Somaliye can tell you the variety of the grape, the location of the vineyard,

and even the year of the harvest. While the average consumer may choose a bottle of wine based on

the cheapest price or the prettiest label, it's as though a Somaliye can see through the false

outer offering to see the true soul of the wine. It can be the same for where we find rest.

We often seek rest in the false temporary relief of the world, while missing the deeper soulful

rest found only in God. So where do you turn for rest? Do you find the most peaceful retreat

in creation or in the Creator? Well, this meditation from Matthew chapter 11 is a reflection on

finding rest in the presence of God, turning away from the false rest of the world to find

true rest in Jesus, the fulfillment of all that you seek. So to begin your meditation,

find a place to turn away from the noise of the world, to now become comfortable, alone,

quiet and still, and receive this meditation as a divine sanctuary to turn to the discovery of true

rest. Allow your eyes to now close, become mindful of your breathing,

and begin to move deeper, resting in the peaceful embrace of God.

Continue in this time of thoughtful reflection by listening and then responding to this passage from

John chapter 7, and as I lead us, respond simply, Lord Jesus, give me rest. May God bless the reading

and hearing of His word. As Jesus said, if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

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