Yesterday I finished the Scripture Writing Schedule on “Rest.” Now, I don’t know about you, but I seem to go from one thing to another and “rest” is what I do when my body just gives up. I usually fall asleep in my recliner with the news on and my computer in my lap! But, rest is so important for all aspects of our life.
We know that God rested, for in Genesis 2:3 says, “And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made.” There were several times when Jesus had to “get away” from the crowds, and He encouraged His disciples by saying unto them, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while;” for there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31). The Psalmist said, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself in any wise to do evil” (Psalm 37:7). Notice – true rest is found “in the Lord.”
The memory verse this week was Psalm 4:8 – “I will both lay me down in peace and sleep; for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Isn’t that what we all want – to lay down in peace and sleep?” The Israelites were told, “And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest” (Exodus 33:14). Jesus said it so beautifully in Matthew 11:28-30 when He told his followers to “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Did you notice that He didn’t offer to “share” an easy load – He offers rest to those who are “heavy laden.”
Do you desire rest? Do you want to “sleep like a log” or “sleep like a baby?” With the knowledge that we are “in Christ,” we can “go to sleep” and “sleep tight.” Simply blessed, Courtney