Rest

8/20/2020

Matthew 11:28 “And I will give you rest.”

 What does rest mean to you? Sometimes we look at rest as having good nightly sleep patterns. Sometimes we think of vacation as the time for rest. Sunday is considered a weekly day of rest in the Christian tradition. These are all true, based on both a physical and mental winding down, and are usually very welcome times of respite.  

We are living in a time of global fear and unrest where we are prohibited from joining together in worship. We are being kept from friends and family for the sake of the greater good. Even our smiles to others are shrouded behind regulated mask wearing. It is a time of insolation, and isolation like most of us have never experienced before. We were taken out of the hustle and on-the-go existence that we all knew before this insidious virus took over. This intensely quiet life we are all living can paradoxically bring unrest. The anxiety can either draw us nearer to Jesus in faith or pull us away by fixating on the tempest. Chambers writes, “Whenever anything begins to disintegrate your life with Jesus Christ, turn to Him at once and ask Him to establish rest.”

I think we are all looking for comfort and rest now more than ever, but it is a different kind that is needed throughout the chaos that is raging all around us. It is a deep rest that happens in the spirit. This profound rest of the soul can only come from seeking Jesus in all things, no matter the circumstances. It comes from releasing all the things that are out of our control to Jesus, and allowing our minds and spirits to be quieted before Him.  It comes by drawing ever closer to the Savior in prayer and gratitude for every breath and every moment.

This song is one from my youth, and is so beautiful. Listen to it and let the peace and rest of Jesus wash over you.

Be Not Afraid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjbnWhXJOT4