Today’s Daily Bread ~ Spiritual Rest

Isaiah 28:12 – God’s people could have rest in their own land if they would only obey Him, but they will not listen.

Rest.  It’s elusive, isn’t it?  The Better Sleep Council says that 65% of Americans are losing sleep due to stress.  32% of Americans lose sleep at least one night a week, and 16% of us have stress related insomnia.  Have you ever had one of those nights where you simply can’t turn off your brain?  For me, those nights are almost always work related.  Or future related.  Worrying about something that I know darn good and well I can do nothing about at that moment.

What does God mean when He says we could have rest in our own land?  The word used for “rest” is interesting.  It means a place of rest, a settled place, or security. The word it is derived from also means to abide peacefully; comfortable, consolation, and ease. 

There are many places in Scripture where Jesus laid down to rest, or God calls us to sleep or cease activity.  But God is also telling us that we are to rest in Him spiritually.

My son does something that I find so precious.  When we’re having a playdate or at someone else’s house, he’ll go off and play for a little bit, doing his own thing.  But every ten minutes or so, he comes back to me.  He’ll want a hug, a kiss, or to sit on my lap.  And then a minute or two later he’s off and running again.  It’s like I’m his “home base.”  A girlfriend once smiled and said, “he just wants to be sure of you.”

Nick is on to something.  Play a bit, run around, and then run back to the parent for love, reassurance and comfort.  We should follow that same example. 

We can only rest in something we completely trust.  Can you imagine riding in a car with someone who just learned to drive, and trying to fall asleep?  Not happening!  When we (and I really should just own this and say “I”) worry about money, jobs, health, or anything else, we’re not trusting that God can handle it.  Let me tell you something…God can handle it.

Spiritual rest can only be attained by submitting our will to God.  One of my favorite verses is Matthew 11:28-30 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for you souls.  For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”   We lug baggage around, carrying burdens God never meant for us to pick up.  When Jesus tell us to put on His yoke, He is telling us to submit to His will, His plan for our lives.

I, along with my husband and some friends, am trying very hard to get a ministry off the ground.  This morning, during my quiet time with Jesus, He told me to rest in Him.  He is in charge of me, my family, my career and my ministry.  If it is His will that this should succeed, no force on earth can stop it.  If it doesn’t, I have faith that He has other areas in which He would like for me to focus my time, talents and finances. I am also confident that God never wastes our time.  Whether or not my ministry succeeds by earthly standards doesn’t matter.  Oftentimes the journey is more important than the destination.

If there is a worry on your heart, give it to God.  King David wrote, “O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up; You know my every thought when far away.  You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment You know where I am (Psalm 139:1-3).” 

There is nothing so big that He can’t handle, nothing so trivial that He doesn’t care about.  He delights in you.  He wants to lavish you with love.  Bless you in abundance.  But we have to cooperate with Him.  We have to lay our burdens down, and take up the yoke that fits perfectly.  Oxen were yoked in teams…working in pairs.  A mature ox was always paired with a young one, so the older and more experienced could guide the other.  When you take on the yoke of Jesus, you are working with Jesus Himself.  Jesus will teach you and guide you.

Oh God, how is is that You love us so much?  Please forgive us for our distrust.  Please help us to lay our burdens at Your feet.  Please teach us and guide us.  Please remind us that You are all we need.  God, it sometimes feels as though the ground is literally shaking beneath us.  Help us to remain focused on Jesus – the One who cannot be shaken.  We love You so much, Lord, with everything we have.  Help us to love You more.  Multiply our faith exponentially, and empower us to share it with others.  It is in the blessed, holy name of Jesus Christ that we pray.  Amen.