As you speak the word rest you can feel the release of a deep breath and the relief from stress. What a peaceful word. Are you looking for some rest? Maybe it is just me but today feels like a great day for some rest.
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (NKJ)
This rest in Jesus seems to reach to our core. Do you think this rest means to relax and do nothing? Just chill? Today I am thinking it is more of a peace and rest in knowing we are doing the work of our Father. This seems to almost be a mental, emotional and soulful rest more than a physical rest.
We begin this eleventh chapter of Matthew speaking about John the Baptist. John was created to be the voice in the wilderness preparing a way for this new messiah. John has sent his messengers to ask Jesus if he in fact was the coming Messiah.
Do you think of “rest” when you think of John the Baptist? This is the radical guy living out in the desert, eating locusts and baptizing people, right? I don’t see rest as in comfortable but I do believe he had a rest many of us cherish.
John, had rest in the fact he knew deeply what was his mission, what his calling was. He was doing it with gusto. The people would come out to the desert to see what this was about. Jesus asked them what they were expecting to see out there. What kind of rest are we expecting?
Matthew 11:29: 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.(NKJ)
REST FOR OUR SOULS. Not an afternoon nap kind of rest (although I do love those) but a rest for our souls. We know deep down inside that this is right. Buried in our soul is this rest of Jesus. Can I get out of the racing in my head long enough to seek it? It is interesting to me that when I sit with my eyes closed and just slowly breath out the word “REST” I am tapping into my soul. Can you feel it? Take a deep breath and slowly let it out saying the word rest until your breath is exhausted. Do you feel it? There is rest down there in your soul. Let me know what you find there.
Thank you Jesus for giving us rest. As promised in 11:30 your yoke is easy and your burden is light. Thank You for giving us Your rest and I pray we can learn from you and find rest in knowing we are completely tied to you and doing Your will.
What do you think about this rest for your soul?
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Although the Sabbaths are my rest, your post brought to light the short rests (sometimes a matter of seconds) I take to ask God for help to accompish something that is giving me difficulty to complete, as well as thanking Him for the help and numberous other things. I appreciate your post – thanks, Charlie
Charlie, great point! Just a brief moment of rest in Him is powerful. Thank you for stopping by and sharing! May we cherish those moments of rest. Love it!