Rest is an important part of life. Now we must go to work to pay bills, save for our retirement, fix things around the house, go food shopping, go to school, exercise…. so forth and so on. Basically, what I’m saying is that we all have to move in one way or another every day. For some of us it seems that we are constantly moving from one task to the next with no time to stop…. Or…. rest. Just ask any successful CEO or small business owner or someone you consider to be an amazing parent and they will tell you that it seems that their days just blend into one another. I get it. I think we all do.
But one thing that God considers extremely important is REST. Think about it. The creator of everything that we see…. the skies, clouds, animals, trees…. even us as humans, RESTED. He created the world that we live in today, then rested, then looked at His creation and said it was good (Genesis 1-31).
But sometimes the ups and downs of life disturb our rest. Those ups and downs sometimes make us anxiety and have us to worry. That fact makes it hard to rest most of the time. But God knows this and understands it all. He tells us not to worry because these “ups and downs” are going to be a constant (Matthew 6:34) He also lets us know that we will have trouble in our lifetime (John 16:33).
But it is in these times that REST becomes vital in our lives. But not just any rest, the kind of rest that only a relationship with Jesus Christ can give us. Jesus himself guarantees it (Matthew 11:28)!!!!! But not only will He give us rest in times of trouble but ultimately as believers, we can find our peace in knowing that one day will be with Him for eternity (Psalms 62:1)
So, the next time life knocks on your door to brings you worry, anxiety and fear….. take a step back, take a deep breath, be still and say this prayer:
Father, I know that trouble will come
And that’s okay
Because I know that your peace will surround me
And in that peace
Grant me the kind of rest that only you can give
Amen
Today’s Reflections:
How can you make more room for God’s presence in your life?
What are the things in your life that take away time in God’s presence?
Devotional Written By: Todd Thompson