Rest

Summer is a great time to get some much needed rest and relaxation.

I would just give a word of caution and challenge.

• It’s possible to rest, but not get rested.

• It’s possible to vacate a geographical location (vacation), but remain spiritually unmoved.

• It’s possible to get away from it all, but not get any closer to Jesus.

• And when you come back, you’re still out of steam, without vision, and lacking in purpose.

So how do we rest well?

1. View Jesus as your ultimate source.

Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Ephesians 2:14

For He Himself is our peace…

• We don’t just find peace in the presence of God… the presence of Jesus IS peace.

Psalm 4:8

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

• Not vacation… not me time… not staycation…

• I’m all about getting away.

• I’m a firm believer that a change of place, plus a change of pace, equals a change in perspective.

• A vacation alone might give a temporary mental reprieve, but it won’t answer the deep longings of a heart.

2. Move from doing to being.

Psalm 37:7

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.

• Well done, my good and faithful…

• Good & faithful… these are things that describe being…

• He’s not going to list your accomplishments…. Because a servant is accomplishing the master’s orders…. They are HIS accomplishments.

• You will be doing things, but they flow out of being in His presence and hearing His orders.

• Be good. Be faithful.

Psalm 46:10

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

3. Make resting in God’s presence a DAILY practice.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

• You can’t spend enough time in God’s presence this Summer to “save it up” for the rest of the year…

• Stop the cycle… Create a new rhythm.

• Quit lying to yourself that someday you’ll get enough rest… create new disciplines… or spend time with Jesus… today is the day.