Taking a Real RestSample

Reflection

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message)

The Bible (NKJV) mentions rest 275 times so God must think it is very important and, like the good Father he is, he wants us to enjoy it. Indeed, he set the example by resting ‘from all his work’ on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). 

So, rest is a good thing; it heals, it restores, it renews. After the year that was 2020, we all need it.

Isaiah 30:15 tells us “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.” Too often that’s what we do; have none of it: 

We say there’s too much to do, too little time, and too much to worry about. We put it off until we almost fall over. At least, that’s what I do. I am actually terrible at resting, even when I know I need to and even when I want to.

Over the next seven days we will circle around these three verses of Matthew 11:28-30, across different versions and translations, and see how we can learn to take a real rest.

Prayer 

Father, I am tired and worn out. Please help me find the rest you tell us we need. Help me to do it your way, not mine, and in quietness and trust to find my strength within you.