“So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall”

Hebrews 4:9-11

Of all the evils in the world, the one that taunts me the most is the voice that tells me not to rest. Today started out by my waking up restless. Toiling with myself that I didn’t set my alarm! I have three intentional commitment free days 😊 but for some reason, my mind tells me I must get up and get going. All the things I could do. All the things I “should” do, build up in my mind and draw my attention away from my joyful and comfortable rest.

Even though I know I will benefit from rest, I can be a bit rebellious. The laborious task of making myself fight for the right to rest is exhausting in itself, as I forget that rest is a gift from God and a commandment for good reason.

Of course, God’s rest doesn’t necessarily mean getting more sleep, although sleep is greatly beneficial for body, mind, and Spirit. God’s rest is a lifestyle that allows our minds to wander into His presence and trusting Him to take care of the details. “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15). “In peace I will lie down and rest, for you alone make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). “My presence will go with you, and I will bring you rest – everything will be fine for you” (Exodus 33:14).

God’s rest resolves our restlessness of life. It allows us to worship Him. It equips us to work and serve. It prepares us to fight those weapons that are formed against us every single day. God’s rest develops our faith, nourishes our growth, builds our strength, and creates new beginnings. When we rest in the Lord and turn our face toward Him, He radiates His glory through us and shines His light not only in our dark world, but in the world around us. And when we enter God’s rest, we enter into the promise of eternity with Him.

Finding time to rest though is a hard thing to do for anyone, and a whole day of rest is almost frightening! And honestly, I think it’s the absolute hardest commandment to keep. But as I go into 2023, my resolution is to rest. To be intentional about resting physically with guiltfree downtime, and spiritually with guided bustling time, by allowing God to steward my mind, my body and my Spirit in a way that pleases Him. Our hearts must lead the way in which we choose to rest; and each person considers one day more sacred than another. But the one who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord (Romans 14:5). But remember, rest is not about a ritual. Rest is a reverent way of life that gives way for God’s grace and mercy to manage our weariness, our weakness, and our waywardness. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy there is for those who trust in you; what peace there is for those who rest in you!

“A single day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will not withhold anything good from those who do what is right. O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.”

Psalm 84:12 NLT

Note to self: Read, re-read, and then read again!!

Happy New Year’s Ya’ll! May your days be filled with joy and peace, and God’s resolving rest!