The Gift Of Rest
Scripture:
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:9-11— NIV
Encouragement:
I’ll rest when I’m dead. Have you ever said that? Have you ever heard anyone else say that about rest?
Busy people often work especially hard the week before a vacation, tying up loose ends so they can relax. Students usually have final exams right before semester beaks. When we know rest is coming, we put extra effort into finishing our work.
Christians love the work God has given them, doing it with passion and enthusiasm, putting all their strength and care into it.
But, Christians love God’s promise of heavens rest even more and look forward to God’s rest with great joy. We do not need to wait to enjoy God’s rest and peace; we can have it daily, now!
Our daily rest in the Lord will not end with death but will become an eternal rest in the place that Christ is preparing for us ( John 14:1-4).
God has given us all the same amount of time each week. He has also given us all the same gift. Sabbath rest.
How much of that time do you spend resting? Sabbath rest is a meaningful gift that God has given to each of us to help us govern our lives. The Bible says that God created everything in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. Then He gave us rest.
What a gift we have but rarely use. Taking time to pull back from life is a good thing. Taking time to pull back from work and everyday busyness is a needed thing. Try not to fill all seven days with activity and chores. Rest.
This gift of rest is about recharging your batteries, refreshing your soul, and reflecting on the good things of life with friends and family. Take a nap. Listen for His voice. Be with your children and those you love. Open your gift of rest. Reflect on love and all the good things in your life.
Today, renew your effort to work hard for God. Relish the thought. Rest is coming.
Pray:
Lord, thank you for rest. Thank you for the value of rest today. Help me to love those around me in this time and to recognize the gifts in them. Let me pull aside and rest with you and be refreshed to go on again and do great things with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Linking Up this week with Inspire Me Monday Remember Me Monday Tell His Story InstaEncouragements Let’s Have Coffee Recharge Wednesday Tune In Thursday Grace At Home Grace & Truth And Friendship Friday
Photo by Delphine Ducaruge on Unsplash
