By Jason S (Connecting to Impact)
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
We are constantly moving, constantly connected, constantly doing more and bigger and better. We can travel to the other side of the globe in less than a day. We can order a sweater online from a local vendor in Switzerland. We can collaborate with an office thousands of miles away through video chat.
All that leads me to, is rest really possible in today's world?
Honestly, that's probably been asked for centuries if not all of time. Rest is hard to come by, but it depends on whose definition you're trusting.
You may be saying, "I'm so tired," but the Father says, "I give you my rest."
Sure, we get physically tired with all the going and running, but it's the emotional and spiritual tiredness that takes its toll the most. If we know where to go, we can be refreshed and renewed with even a few moments in God's presence.
If we're convinced all we need is physical rest, we aren't seeing the whole picture. You may get the prescribed hours per night of sleep on the fanciest, most comfortable bed on the market, but if you don't have a deeper sense of rest, everything will grind to a halt after a while.
I believe it's because it's not a conditional issue–it's a relational one.
I may feel tired, but it's in my relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that keep me invested and strong. I can be the busiest I've ever been in my life in regard to family, work, ministry, or whatever–and still be at rest.
Philippians 4:6-8 admonishes us,
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."
Prayer is about communication. Communication is about relationship. To have and know peace and rest is to dwell on the very things that He is. Our restlessness and weary hearts, when brought to Jesus, will experience truth and awakening that increases as the trust grows.
What do you think? Are you needing to experience some rest today?
Jason is a guy who loves Jesus, his wife, and his kids. He's also the pastor of Breakthrough Church in Juneau, AK. You can check out his blog at EndlessImpact.com where the goal is to connect with others in a conversation about life, service, and faith while connecting to God who is true Impact.