Rest

 

    Do you know why God commanded us to rest?  He is eternal.  He never sleeps.  He is God, not human.  He never has needed rest, but he leads by example.  That is why after creating the world (and everything in it) he rested.  He did that so that we would recognize the facts that we need rest.  Our mind, body, and soul needs rest after doing good work.

    God took the time to teach us why and how to rest, but He didn't stop there.  He provides rest in the manner that we need it.  Christians typically work hard, so He gave us the Gospel to hear and give our soul rest.  Have faith that this all has a purpose  Even rest has reason.  If you are rested properly, then you can do more in the time that you work.  

    We need proper rest to not burn out.  It is so easy to hit burnout, especially the older you get.  We are suppose to manage balance and boundaries in our lives.  If you don't, then you never learn how to avoid burnout and you will never find true rest in life.

    God's word brings life to our soul.  It works as a living thing within us.  Allow it work within you, so that you are not battling every aspect of life.  God has not hidden this truth from anyone. You either hear it and accept it as the way things need to be or ignore it and act ignorant.  If you fall short and never accept Jesus, then you will never find rest because you will not enter Heaven when you life is over.  Disobedience will ban you from eternal peace.  Sin will be judged.

    God did this because we are not gods.  We can't do what He does.  He knows you and sympathizes with all that is going on in your life.  He knows the challenges that you face.  He understands your weaknesses.  That is why He is offering you what you need to find rest.  You don't have to wait until you are dead.  If you rest, then you will do more with the time you have here.  All you have to do is not harden your heart and accept the truth to allow the Holy Spirit live within you.

    Here is a secret.  Nothing will exhaust you like sin.  If you face your sin, acknowledge that it is sin, and repent by turning it over to God, then you will have huge burdens lifted from you.  All of a sudden life is not so hard.  You will naturally find more rest.  

    You will be able to approach God with confidence in the fact that He will give you mercy and grace as you need it.  Take the time to honor God's command to rest on the Sabbath: Saturday or Sunday (whichever day you acknowledge it).  Do not fall into a pattern of disobedience.  It can happen so quickly.  

Hebrews 4