I have a lot of things I intend to start doing, books I intend to start reading, studies I intend to start, and projects I want to get done around the house. I have great intentions, but I find that, more and more, I get distracted from nearly all of them. Why is this so? Because, as with nearly every human before me, I don’t know how to rest. I’m not talking about sleeping (though I would like to be able to do that better, as well), nor am I talking about taking it easy. I’m speaking of finding comfort, peace, joy, strength and revitalization. There’s about a thousand supplements or more that promise this, books, video seminars, TED talks, and other things promising to teach one to do all of this, but the only true source of rest is Jesus Christ. All of these other sources place the burden on us as we seek rest, Jesus places the burden on Himself. Consider His words:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 28:28-30)
Jesus is the one who can restore our souls, and bring us peace. This isn’t merely a once a week thing we do on Sundays, or Saturdays depending on when you meet with the brethren (though, if we’re honest, we typically only commit to the hour and a half, or so, we’re at church), but a daily renewal Jesus desires to bring to us. Jesus desires a cycle daily to come to Him and find rest. He does not lay the burden on our shoulders, but seeks us to find peace in our minds and hearts as we enter in to His rest, as we meditate on His word, and as He regenerates us. So let’s shut off our screens (phones, TVs, video games, etc.), let us seek His presence, guidance and wisdom, and let’s watch as we feel refreshed in Him.
Psalm 127
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Mark 6:30-31
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
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