Rest is a practical need and a divine gift. The pace of life seemingly screams “hurry”, “speed up”, “get ‘er done”, “go, go, GO!” In such an environment it is not surprising so many suffer the consequences of such a hectic pace – disconnectedness, shallowness in relationships, anxieties, high blood pressure, and a plethora of other maladies related to living life too fast.
Admittedly, I am a busy person who often struggles to slow down. The fact that I have not posted in several months is an example of this busyness. Between work, family travel, and essential chores in the limited time when I am home, I find making time to rest and then blog hard to come by. Yet, the Spirit inside me whispers, “Rest, my son.” “Come spend time with me in holy quiet.” When I slow down and obey, what a blessing I receive.
As my first post in almost 3 months, the point is short and simple. Rest is good for the soul and worth carving out the time to do. God modeled it in His act of creation when He rested on the 7th day. He inscribed it into the Law He gave Moses on Mount Sinai. The Jewish people practice it with religious devotion. Jesus affirmed the importance of the Sabbath rest, although He made it clear that the Sabbath was created FOR mankind. It is a divine blessing to be received with thankfulness.
As I think about the divine nature of rest, I realize that slowing down, ceasing strenuous activity, and letting our mind and body recover is the visible manifestation of rest, but it is not the whole or necessarily the most important part. The divine rest God calls us to is about connecting with Him. This rest will align body, soul, AND spirit with God and His renewing life. The rest God desires us to experience is not empty, but rather full of communion with Him.
For me it begins in the early morning quiet. Inviting Him in to speak to the deepest part of me. Listening for His still, small voice. He is there and He is not silent. It’s just that He seldom shouts. He desires that we intentionally seek Him and spend time with Him. My experience is that He blesses me with peace and renewed strength when I quietly read and meditate on His Word. Often He will nudge my heart to pray for someone during this time. A blessed morning quiet time is rest that establishes the foundation for the day.
The verse that is running through my mind is a familiar one.
‘The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ Psalm 23:1-6
I pray that wherever you are, today you will experience rest that refreshes your soul and draws you close to Him Who loves you more than you can imagine.
Blessings!
areliablefaith 