I don’t know about y’all, but sometimes I treat the word “rest” like it’s a bad word. It’s not a natural fit on my to-do list. I’ve got places to go and things to do. Deadlines hover over me. Dryer buzzers beep for my attention. And daily surprises hijack my schedule.
I’ve been beyond busy the past few months. I’ve had amazing doors that God opened for me and other stuff I wanted to do, but after three days this week when it was all I could do to get out of bed, it dawned on me that I’m tired. My body is screaming, “I need rest!” And since I do have a little common sense, I’m trying to pay attention.
God promises to give us rest, and I’m so grateful for that. I suspect many of you also need some rest today, so I thought I’d share some of His sweet promises for us:
1. He promises to give rest for our souls.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
2. He promises to be with us.
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)
3. He has rest waiting for us.
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.“ (Hebrews 4:9)
4. We can count on rest and strength…but the secret is waiting on Him.
He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:29-31)
5. Even Jesus rested.
Yes, even in the midst of a mighty storm. He knew the end of the story that day, and He knows every detail of our stories. So we can rest in Him…and we can be wise and follow His example to rest.
Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38)
So let’s take care of yourselves. Let’s follow His example and get some rest—because we can’t pour into the lives of others if we’re running on empty ourselves.
