REST
24th Apr 2024
Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
We are living in a world where stress and weariness surround us. People are so worn down, often they will tell how tired they are, and can’t see ways to get their work done. They talk about the pace of life, stress and inability to sleep.
However, Jesus offers rest. Not the absence of a busy life, but rather, in the middle of it, a place of peace and calmness. Rest comes from His presence, His sharing of your burdens, His wisdom as you deal with the seemingly imponderable things of every day life.
Matthew 11:29 goes on to say, “Take my yoke upon you and and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Some years ago, I found myself waking regularly in the middle of the night, I would try and settle and go back to sleep, but often as I lay awake, all the responsibilities of life would try to overwhelm me, and my brain would not switch off. One night I clearly heard Jesus says, “Get up and go downstairs and meet with Me.”
I was obedient, sat in the kitchen thinking, “What next?” His instruction to me was, “Be still and know that I am God.” I tried to be still, but kept writing notes, but eventually said, “I don’t know how to be still.”
I then spent a very interesting time when the Holy Spirit began to show me my self effort, pride and lack of resting. The details are personal, but I began to learn the principle of leaning on Jesus for strength, wisdom, refreshment, and the result was peace. The situations I was dealing with did not always change, but I learned how to rest, drawing resources from the Lord.
One time, I felt too tired to pray out the details of the different situations, and told this to the Lord. He replied, “Sit still and let me scan you!” He did, as I simply waited in His presence.
His peace is a precious gift - His presence is supernatural and sustains you - His rest contains these and so much more.
“Come to me,” said Jesus, “and I will give you rest.”
by Joyce Sibthorpe