Rest for the Weary

by Vance Havner

It has been a long time since my boyhood days in the country. My ministry has required living much on trains, in hotels, in crowded cities. I have escaped from the bedlam at every opportunity and have endeavored to find time and make a place to express that love of the outdoors which has meant so much to me in body, mind, and spirit. I have compromised on a city park when country woods were not available. I have resorted to various devices in order to be still and rest awhile. This modern age has conspired to steal from the soul of man the spirit of reflection and contemplation. One must put up a never-ceasing fight to maintain as much of it as possible in the modern madhouse miscalled “progress.” There is encouragement for such a spirit in the Bible. There was much of it in the life of our Lord. It is a note almost forgotten, and we are paying a high price for our neglect. May these meditations help some harassed soul, some sheep in the hounded flock, to find balm in Gilead and rest for the weary. —From the Foreword

Hardcover

First published June 1, 1956

About the author

Noted Christian Writer. Vance Havner began writing the very first of his more than 40 books shortly after the start of his 70 year ministry. Vance's best known book, Though I Walk Through The Valley, details the loss of his beloved wife, Sarah. He was a dedicated evangelist who spoke locally at churches and nationally at conventions to large crowds and appreciative audiences. Billy Graham called Havner, "The most quoted preacher of the twentieth century." Through reading his books, thousands were led to experience God in a new and exciting way.

(From findagrave.com)

Reviews

[Kristin Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rest for the Weary is a wonderful devotional book for a birdwatcher. Vance’s love for God, mankind, birds and creation shines through his book. He looked for rest from a busy world in 1957 by walking a trail and catching a glimpse of a blackpoll warbler or perhaps a redstart. I love birdwatching and like Vance I love to hit the woods every chance I get to find renewal from God’s creation and add a new warbler for my spring migration list. Walking in the woods brings revival to our weary spirits and connection with God. Like Vance I can take a walk in the woods and then come back and solve a troubling problem or sit by a stream and let life’s worries float away. This book was beloved by my mom and I too look to Vance’s writings for cheer and inspiration. He embraced the simpler things of life to keep himself more closely connected to God. From making homemade ice cream which I too enjoy to thinking about life at the kitchen sink. I felt his over all message was take time out for God and particularly look for Him in our beautiful created world that He made for us and we will find rest.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to visit the Old Mill and go nature walking. Sad that progress caught up. I think I’ll go buy a bird feeder, and enjoy some of God’s creation.