Word of the Week - Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
In the busyness of the world we live in that seems to be moving so fast with all of the technology that is constantly bombarding us from every direction, the idea of Rest seems elusive. There is no doubt that most of us are stressed and worn out because we are so busy and we don’t really know how to Rest. “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.” Psalm 127:2 We think we can find Rest in more sleep, time off or vacations; even though these are good things that we all need to remain healthy, the Rest that is referred to in Matthew 11 above is a much deeper level of Rest that is needed for our souls to be refreshed and restored.So what is this “Rest” that the Lord is referring to in Matthew 11 and how can we receive it. It starts with salvation and knowing deep within our being that we are safe and secure in Christ as a child of God. Isaiah 30:15 “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Our souls long to know that we are safe and secure in God our Father similar to a child’s longing to know that he or she is under the loving protection and security of parents. This brings a deep sense of security that allows to experience a deeper state of Rest. We also find true Rest by putting healthy and intentional boundaries in our lives so that our souls have space to Rest and be refreshed. This is the principle of Sabbath that is contrary to how the world operates but is truly a key to finding real Rest. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God”. Exodus 20:8-10. God our Creator, designed us with the Sabbath in mind for our own good, and we will only find true rest and perform at our best if we adhere to God’s design and embrace the Sabbath. The idea of Sabbath is that we stop and don’t engage in our “vocational work” for one day a week. During our Sabbath day of Rest, we would engage in feeding our body, mind, soul and spirit with good healthy and godly things that refresh us. Going to church on Sunday is just one of these things, but the Sabbath principle is much broader than church attendance. It should include time for prayer, study, exercise, fellowship, enjoying family and recreation/hobbies. Most importantly having space between your work and your soul life. Finally, we find true Rest when we live with purpose and significance. If we truly understand why we are on this earth and have an eternal God perspective then we can find Rest in knowing and trusting that God “works all things together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose” Romans 8:28. This gives us a deep sense of security and Rest even in the trials and storms of life.Psalm 23 is an amazing scripture that exudes the idea of Resting in God even in facing the trials and tribulations of life.“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”I pray the Lord gives you a wonderful day of Rest and you will experience the deep Rest that comes from knowing and walking with the Lord Jesus. Have a great week.-Duane