It’s not a secret that I am grieving through a recent life change. Some days I handle it well, and other days I end up crying into my pillow simply because I find my daughter’s fuzzy pajama pants left behind in the dryer. I’m not proud of it, but it has truly knocked me off kilter and I’ve lost focus on what is most important. This has left me feeling just slightly short of exhausted and lifeless.
I try to take it easy and to be kind to myself. I take days off when I can, and I practice solitude (That’s not too difficult. I’m a die-hard introvert.) But even though I can take time out of my busy schedule to rest, sometimes I am not truly rested when real life starts up again. I know that’s because I lose focus on the source of true rest.
Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Does Jesus mean sleep here? I do love a good nap. No. He means true peace. A tranquil heart.
Tranquility sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
Take a moment to think off all the things you must get done in a day. Add your burdens into that mix. Are you feeling rested knowing all of it won’t get done and you don’t have the power to fix your burdens? Your financial problems, your family members health issues, your marriage, your kid’s lack of obedience, the car needs to be fixed, the washing machine is making a strange noise.
Feeling rested yet?
When we are focused on Jesus, the one who gives us true rest, we can be assured that we don’t have to do it all. All He’s calling us to do is “Come to me”. In His presence we can lay our burdens at His feet and let Him sort them out.
What’s more beautiful is that God has promised once we’ve left our burdens and pick back up with our daily activities, we are still able to rest.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
Are you seeing what a beautiful and giving God we serve?
Those two verses acknowledge that we can only receive rest when we are in Jesus’ presence. He’s so willing to give it, but we must go to Him to receive it and His presence comes alongside us so He can give it to us as well. What a beautiful gift! We are not truly restful unless we are in the presence of Jesus himself.
I hope I can remember this gift, but I am prone to forget. Especially when I am sad and bogged down with life and ministry.
Lord, please don’t allow us to forget that Your gift of rest is ours to keep as long as we come to You and remain in Your presence. Amen.
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