Do you know what happens when I refuse to rest? I turn into my worst self. Seriously.
When I refuse to rest, I become ill, cranky, short tempered, and short on patience. Refusing to rest, takes away my ability to show love. You might think I’m exaggerating. But ask my family. Bad things happen when I refuse to rest.
For those of us that refuse to rest, read on. This is our warning.
I have enjoyed writing these messages on rest for your soul. The comments and feedback bring me great joy. But, I have a confession to make. Each week, I am writing for myself. I write what I need to hear.
So when I write about the importance of rest, it is because I need rest. Then it dawned on me, I know I need rest but how often do I refuse it. This idea of rest is hard for me. I understand it is hard for you too. So, why do we refuse to rest? Today, I want to talk about what it means when we refuse to rest and how to push on to a place of true rest.
Warning! Danger! Warning!
“This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Two weeks ago, we discovered rest for our souls, and it was good. We all responded, “Yes! That’s what we need! Rest for our souls!” Then, last week, we found out that Sabbath is a command. We are not just asked to rest, we are commanded to rest. Therefore, I made plans to honor God by observing the Sabbath. I planned to rest. But when the time came, I refused it. I thought I did not have time to rest.
The problem with refusing to rest is sin. Let’s just call it what it is. How often do I go my own way? God instructs me and I do something different. Unfortunately, there are consequences for our disobedience.
No one likes to be reprimanded. I know I don’t. But this is how we learn. We don’t come into this world knowing everything we need to know. By trial and error, we learn and grow. We are going to make mistakes. It is a part of life.
Trust and Obey for there’s no other way…”
Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29;
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
These are the verses that began this blog series. They speak to me on an intimate level, drawing me in to the very thing I need most. When someone gives you something, they hand it to you. You in turn, must reach out and receive it. You have to take it. To not take it would be to refuse it.
In these verses, Jesus is handing us what we need. He is inviting us in. It is up to us if we will receive the gift.
Being able to rest in God is a choice. It is linked entirely to our trust in God. It is faith.
Once we choose to receive it, we then must put it into practice. It has to become a discipline. As routine as prayer, praise or reading our Bible.
Today, I invite you into your first act of rest. Come into God’s presence and find rest for your soul.
“Be still and know that I am God.” The translation says “STOP!” Cease whatever it is that you are doing. This is rest. No multi-tasking here.
So, I have challenge for you. Below, you will find a YouTube video. It is 11 minutes and 56 seconds. The question is not can you rest in the Lord. The question is will you?
Today’s challenge: Sit still for the entire video and soak up the glory of God. Then, you will find rest for your soul.
Let us pray;
Good and gracious God, maker of heaven and earth, teach us the discipline of rest. Help us to stop and be still in your presence. Overwhelm us with your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen. -M
(If you do not see the video below, open this message from your browser.)
One thought on “For those of us that refuse to rest”
Trust and Obey for there is no other Way! Amen