Rest in the Lord
Rest in the Lord
Good morning!
I was reading some articles this morning and one in particular caught my attention. The article gave several reasons to be caught up on your sleep - i.e. resting is good for you. I agree totally that we as Americans don't get enough rest. I know I don't get enough many nights.
The Bible has a lot to say about rest. God set the standard during the creation process when He rested on the 7th day. We certainly know that God does not tire out like we do. In fact, strictly speaking, God never rests or sleeps because if He did all of creation would cease to exist. He is the one holding all things. What He was doing was setting a precedent for us that resting would be a big part of our existence. The fourth commandment speaks directly to the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. There were also annual feasts that added days of rest.
In the New Testament, Jesus recommended rest to His followers in Mark 6:31-32, "And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves." We also can look forward to the great day of rest when we are at home in heaven - "and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels," 2 Thes. 1:7 -NKJV
Do you feel tired from the burdens of life? Do you find yourself worn out even on days when you got enough physical rest? This brings us to perhaps the most important aspect of rest. Some rest can only be found in our relationship with God. Matt 11:29-30 reads, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." God wants us to concentrate on His plans, not our own. In our own little world we grow weary from all the demands we have placed on us. God wants us to be about His business and trust in His strength to do what He is calling you to do.
Find rest, my friend, in the only source that can refresh your body as well as your soul.
In Christ,
Jay
