Experience His Rest

View your journey with the Lord as through you were going on a cruise. He wants us to enjoy our journey and to experience continual renewal as we travel. So, we need regular times of replenishment to be strengthened for the different ports to which He leads us. Our journey will extend for a time, not just a season.

It is important that we learn how to experience, along the way, the rest that only God can provide.

Psalm 23:1-3 provides a lovely picture of the rest that God makes possible, even in the midst of busy and hectic lives:

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

I seen a T-shirt in a catalog that said, "I am woman. I am invincible. I am tired." I'm sure there are many other women who join me in feeling the need to experienc the Lord's rest while we continue on His journey.

From the beginning of creation, God has been concerned about rest fro His children. It is so important that He instituted it in His Law as one of the Ten Commandments: "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God" (Exodus 20:8-10).

The word Sabbath means "rest." This is a day to remember the Lord and to honor Him. It's a day for taking a break from work and enjoying a time of refreshment. In the rhythm of our lives, we need one day out of seven to STOP, BE STILL, WORSHIP, and be RENEWED spiritually and physically.

As much as possible, Sunday is a day for me to rest. Going to church and worship, have a relaxing day resting and reading. It's a great way to get ready for tackling another six days.

Resting one day a week is not a legalism to appease God, but a gift from Him for our benefit. It pleases Him when we accept and enjoy it as He intended.

What does a restful Sunday look like?

Jesus says, "Come to me , all who are weary and heavey 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 you shall find rest fro your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

How can we turn down an invitation like that? To trade in a heavy burden for a light load?

To be taught by the Master Teacher who is humble and meek is a high privilege. To be yoked to our Lord and Savior is a supreme honor! Living the way this relationship offers is refreshing. It's quiet and calm. It's comforting and restoring. It's restful because the Prince of Peace is in the yoke with us.

Are you experiencing the benefits of being yoked with the Lord?

Do you ever experience the Lord's rest in the midst of your busyness?

When our service is the will of God, we have His power to do what He gives us to do. We experience His refreshment in the process of our work that is done for Him.

"Rest in the Lord and wait paitently for Him" (Psalm 37:7). The Lord wants us to trust Him with ALL our hearts, and part of that trust is resting and waiting for His timing. I'm the epitome of impatience. I'm still in the learning process :-)

Joseph had to learn to rest many years as a slave and prisoner.
David who wrote about rest and wait, had to wait years to become king.
Abraham and Sarah waited twenty-five years for the birth of Isaac.
Esther learned to wait overnight before telling her husband about the decree that would destroy the Jews.

God has a time schedule, and He uses what we call delays to produce patience and trust in us, and to accomplish His purposes in establishing His kingdom.

Rest, refreshment, and renewal are healing words. God wants to make them a reality in your life. He Himself will provide everything you need, particularly rest and strength for your daily walk. Receive the freedom He offers you from having to worry about what lies ahead.

Green meadows and peaceful streams are part of your journey. Wear His yoke so that you allow Him to lead you there.