Make Time To Rest…

“Anyone who enters God’s rest will rest from his work as God did. Let us try as hard as we can to enter God’s rest so that no one will fail by following the example of those who refused to obey.” Hebrews 4:10-11 NCV

Let us try as hard as we can to enter God’s rest… I wish I could say that I do that all the time, but the truth is I do not. I think that is the truth for most of us. Rest is so important and yet it is usually the first thing to go when life gets busy. (The same is true for physical rest in addition to spiritual rest)

The thing is, I still struggle with fully grasping the blessings and promises I have from God…health, prosperity, favor, grace, etc… It is counter-intuitive that those are  actually gifts to me and they are not contingent on my works or effort. I think a lot of Christians today know that they are under grace, but still act like they are under the law. I know I sometimes act like that. And it is usually when I am stuck in the mindset of my success is based on my effort and my doings, and then I forget (or neglect) to rest in God’s presence as my source of strength. And what happens next is I get tired, worn-out, burnt out, and then I don’t have the passion to do what God has called me to do. Ever been there?

We are not called to create and make our own success. We are, however, called to be obedient.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 NIV

Let us learn to be still and rest in God’s refreshing presence. I think we forget sometimes that even God rested after He created the universe. Did He need too? Probably not. But He chose to, to teach us an important principle about resting in the person who can restore our strength, peace, joy, and hope. As humans, we cannot properly sustain ourselves without the help of an outside force. We are completely inadequate when it comes to that. We need God…in every way.

So today, whatever you may be going through, whatever storm or season of life you are currently in, make time to rest in God’s presence. Cast your cares on Him, He can take it. Pray about everything that comes to your mind. Trust Him. Whether you are on top of the world or facing the toughest season of your life, make time to rest in God’s presence. The outcome to your situation is not based on how bad you want it, or anything that you can do…God is in control and has your best interests in mind.

Try as hard as you can to rest in God’s presence today and trust that He will see you through.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

 Do you need to make more time to rest in God?