Do you have problems resting?? You’re not alone! Why is it so hard for some to rest? Many today are frenzied, driven by fear, anxiety, or the pursuit of money. Some jobs are very demanding and require an extreme amount of hours. “Downers” are being used to go to sleep and “uppers” are used to wake up from too little sleep! As Christians, we look to Jesus as our example for every area of our life. Our Lord led a perfect life so let’s consider His lifestyle regarding rest.
“He (Jesus) never acted in haste. He didn’t make decisions in response to the pressure tactics of others….He knew when to work and when to rest. In the storm on the Sea of Galilee the disciples sweated, but Jesus slept. In the garden of Gethsemane the disciples slept, but Jesus sweated. That’s because He knew when to work and when to rest. Knowing when to act and when to trust, what to give your attention to and what to leave in God’s hands, is a secret you must learn if you’re to do God’s will and not burn out. Nobody was busier than Jesus… Work means giving, rest means receiving. Jesus understood the balance; that’s why He accomplished so much in three short years. When you’re rested you think more clearly, you make better decisions, you see life through confident eyes, you accomplish more in less time, and what you build is built to last. So stop your frantic rush. Following the footsteps of Jesus means being led, not driven!” (Excerpts taken from Free Chapel Devotional).
Many scriptures address the need for rest and the benefits of it such as:
Isaiah 40:31– But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Psalm 37:7—“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him…” When Jesus won the victory at Calvary and was resurrected, He defeated the devil and won the victory over evil. In turn, Jesus gave us authority in His name over the enemy so that we could experience a victorious life.
Psalm 16:9—“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.“
1 Chronicles 22:18 –“Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side?….”
Joshua 1:13 –“Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, The Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land.”
Isaiah 40:31 –“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Matthew 11:28-29 –“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29) 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.” (NKJV) Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example and if He, the perfect Son of God needed rest, then we need to give ourselves permission to rest. Oh, I already feel a yawn coming on! God bless you as you rest in Him. Psalm 127:2 “… he giveth his beloved sleep.”
