Faith and Rest

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Rest is important. Take time to rest. Take time to rest in Him. Yes, that means you. There was a time in my life that I felt like I was somehow, an exception to many rules. I heard the advice, “sleep when your babies are sleeping, you need the rest”. But, foolishly, I ignored that advice. I pushed through, but two years later, the Lord told me the reason I had some health issues was because I hadn’t rested when I was told to. It was quite humbling to realize I am not nor was I created to be superhuman. I thought I was just pushing through and relying on the scripture: as your day goes, so shall your strength be. Deuteronomy 33:25 but instead I was being arrogant and foolish.

God’s Word encourages us to rest. He encourages us to rest our body. It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2. ESV

He encourages us to rest our souls. Come unto me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11: 28 NLT When was the last time you simply sat in his presence. Allowing his love, grace and strength to wash over you? Maybe you need to go for a walk with him. Letting the refreshing of his creation soothe your soul.

And He encourages us to walk in the rest of our spirit. Cast your burden upon the Lord and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22 Take the time to sort through everything that robs you from rest. Don’t ignore your need for body, soul and spirit rest. Cast your cares upon Him and ask Him to teach you how to walk in His rest. The very act of casting is that an active decision to give him your burdens and cares. Sometimes it helps to do it out loud! Specifically naming them and giving them over to him. For example, Father, I give you my financial worries and cares, I choose to trust you. I give you my children’s concerns, knowing you care for them more than I do. Help my grandchildren to find their way to your purpose and plan. etc.

But in actuality, he wants us to learn to abide in his rest. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. Hebrews 4:9-11. NLT I think most of us are still learning how to enter this rest. But hopefully, we are getting better at it!

Father, I thank you for teaching me and others how to walk, live and abide in your rest. Not just for my soul, but my body and my mind. Father, you need us free from our burdens and cares so we can help others. You desire for us to walk as examples of trust, that comes from not being overloaded with worries, fears and struggles, so once again, please teach us how to rest. In Jesus’ Name, amen