Devotionals
Rest in Him
by Angie GentryScripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-29
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls.”
Rest… what’s that? The original Greek definition of the word is “intermission, cessation of any motion, business, or labor.” Webster’s defines “rest” as “freedom from activity or labor, a state of motionless or inactivity, free of anxieties.”
All of us from time to time desire to just rest for a while, but the demands of life leave little time to truly rest. From the alarm sounding before dawn; to the never ending needs of children, spouse, family, and friends; to the house that needs cleaning, the cell phone constantly ringing, deadlines quickly approaching, and unexpected unscheduled events that consume our thoughts, time and energy. Rest is longed for but seldom realized.
I’ve heard so many times throughout the years, “There’s no rest for the weary” – a seemingly true statement in the hustle and bustle of this journey we call life.
As impossible as it may seem, we can find rest. Not by lying down to take a nap, or relaxing in a hammock by a stream, listening to the sounds of nature. Not by hitting the beach and enjoying the never ending sound of the crashing waves or enjoying a trip to the mountains.
All of those things may satisfy our immediate physical need for rest, but true rest, being free from anxieties, activity, or labor, can only be found in Jesus. Rest is realized by focusing our hearts, thoughts, and actions solely on Him and the unchanging truths of God’s Word. It comes through a personal, intimate relationship with Him that is developed by spending time with Him in prayer, worship, and praise. We can find rest when we realize His greatness and our smallness, humbly bowing before Him with a heart of thanksgiving, and worshipping Him in Spirit and in truth.
True rest comes when we cast ALL our cares (from the things we consider small and insignificant to the greatest burden or trial we are facing) upon Him, and know with great assurance that He cares about every aspect of our life, He will see us through, and “all things work together for good to them that love God.”
How long has it been since you found rest for your soul? Make time to rest in Him today.
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- Posted by: Angie Gentry
Comments
wow this is good, i have learned finally in this last several weeks just to rest in the Lord for one thing I know that I cant do this on my own anymore I tryed that i have to admit but it sure didnt work.. I am leaving it all at Jesus feet and let him take care of for me..He knows what is best and whatever the outcome I will continue to serve and love him..Through these trials that I am facing I am learning alot that I didnt know or either I didnt try to know but anyhow I am really learning to depend on God for he is the one who is in control...love ya girl!!!
Thank you Angie for this powerful truth. Longing for rest, I too often lean on the arm of flesh, or treasures I have laid up for that rest that can only come from the comfort of my most basic relationship.That is the relationship with my loving creator, God and Jesus the lover my soul. He has given me His Holy Spirit to comfort me and remind me of what He has done and will do. The Spirit reminds me of the scripture in Deut. 33.27 ff that says, "the eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy. . ." That truly gives me comfort to know the sovereign ruler of the universe is my comfort, my "sword, and shield." He is my rest.
Okay Angie, I think you were talking to me when you wrote this devotional. I don't know if you could sinse anything from our facebook chat or not, but all I can say is, WOW! Love it and love you!
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