God Says... "I will give you rest."
Monday, August 22, 2011 at 7:00AM MAD21 By Jason S (Connecting to Impact)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
We are constantly moving, constantly connected, constantly doing more and bigger and better. We can travel to the other side of the globe in less than a day. We can order a sweater online from a local vendor in Switzerland. We can collaborate with an office thousands of miles away through video chat.
All that leads me to, is rest really possible in today's world?
Honestly, that's probably been asked for centuries if not all of time. Rest is hard to come by, but it depends on whose definition you're trusting.
You may be saying, "I'm so tired," but the Father says, "I give you my rest."
Sure, we get physically tired with all the going and running, but it's the emotional and spiritual tiredness that takes its toll the most. If we know where to go, we can be refreshed and renewed with even a few moments in God's presence.
If we're convinced all we need is physical rest, we aren't seeing the whole picture. You may get the prescribed hours per night of sleep on the fanciest, most comfortable bed on the market, but if you don't have a deeper sense of rest, everything will grind to a halt after a while.
I believe it's because it's not a conditional issue–it's a relational one.
I may feel tired, but it's in my relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that keep me invested and strong. I can be the busiest I've ever been in my life in regard to family, work, ministry, or whatever–and still be at rest.
Philippians 4:6-8 admonishes us,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Prayer is about communication. Communication is about relationship. To have and know peace and rest is to dwell on the very things that He is. Our restlessness and weary hearts, when brought to Jesus, will experience truth and awakening that increases as the trust grows.
What do you think? Are you needing to experience some rest today?
Jason is a guy who loves Jesus, his wife, and his kids. He's also the pastor of Breakthrough Church in Juneau, AK. You can check out his blog at EndlessImpact.com where the goal is to connect with others in a conversation about life, service, and faith while connecting to God who is true Impact.
Faith, God Says, Rest in God Says...
Reader Comments (5)
God is the answer for all our tiredness whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual. When we spend time with Him and organize our life with Him as our focus, He instills in us rest and strength.
Rest definitely is hard to come by, what with our constant level of "connection" to everyone on the planet. I've actually taken steps to disconnect from all that so that I can connect more with God and find the rest you are talking about. Great post, Jason!
This is a great reminder today. The rest in my soul is from God and I feel the peace and joy in it as you explained. Outside the will of God their is no rest for our souls. The ones who seek rest without the knowledge of God inside of them are the ones yelling the loudest in their anger and confusion. The world tries to find rest in the world... It is impossible, the One who created and sustains it, won't allow it.
Nice job Jason, you got me fired up. Thanks!
Thanks you to the host of this site as well. Good stuff.
Dusty--He is well able! Thank you.
Jason--those times of retreating to lonely places are so important. I know if Jesus did it, then we need it too. Thanks for your thoughts.
Floyd--yes and yes! I've been a yeller before, even as I was supposed to be one who knew God. He's so faithful though. Thanks so much.
Oh boi! Do I need THAT kind of rest! Thanks Jason!