Rest. What comes to mind when you truly think of rest. I imagine myself on a beach at sunset with no one around. I can hear the waves as they gently wash against the shore. In the distance, I can hear the faint calls of a seagull as it flies to find its next meal. I’m not thinking about work, the dog, any relationship problems, medical issues or anything. My mind is clear and I am at peace. I think we get a taste of what rest is like when going on vacation but does that truly give us peace?
I am responsible for covering Mathew Chapter 11. There are a lot of different things I could be writing this on but I choose to write on the last 6 verses because it really fits with my life right now.
Let’s read through this together…Mathew 11:25-30
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.[g] 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
I think my life is a point that makes it very relatable. Our schedule is crazy busy right now and we are really feeling it. When life gives you lemons, you just add 3 more. That’s the saying, right? I know it’s not but I think it should be. We are a culture who hates the word “No” and loves to challenge the word “impossible.” Rest is something we laugh off and say we will get to when we are dead but are we truly living as Christ by doing that?
As we start to go into the winter months and things maybe start to slow down a little, try to make a mental note of how you are feeling. Remember how refreshed you are and know that it is possible to have that feeling all year long, it just requires you to say no. Even God had to rest when he created the heavens and the earth so realize that we need it too.
Give our heavenly father those burdens and take a breath. We both know we need it. Life is too short to be on every committee or join every sport. It’s just not worth it to keep saying yes when it’s so much more fulfilling to say no.
I hope this speaks to at least one of you out there reading this. It definitely spoke to me. Have a great rest of your Thursday and rest up my friends!