Finding Rest

God promises us rest. He calls the weak and weary to come to Him. He tells us His burden is light and His yoke is easy; if we trust in Him, our burdens will be lifted and we will have rest. How great is that?

Unfortunately, I know the Scripture but my body doesn’t believe it. I’m exhausted! It has been two years since I have slept consistently. I’m tired of dealing with screaming kids and messes and laundry. I’m tired of giving to everyone and running everywhere and never getting a day off. Where is this rest? The blessing of children has forever changed my life (not to mention my body) and zapped whatever relaxation that may have previously existed. I know God gives us rest, but I sure don’t feel it.

How about you? Do you feel rested?

We know God never lies; His Word is fully true. So, how do we find His rest? We have a million and one things to do every day. People depend on us, but we can’t provide what they need if our own needs are not being met. And we need the rest God offers. How do we get it? We make room for it.

The problem starts with expectations. We believe people expect us to be the best at everything. We’ve got to have the best job, maintain the cleanest, most comfortable home, have the happiest spouse and the best-behaved children. We need to be involved in our church and our community and our kids’ schools. We’ve got to keep up with friends and family members, always being thoughtful and encouraging. And don’t forget the finances. It’s our job to be thrifty and wise with the money, getting the best deals on everything.

Guess what – none of this is what God expects from us. God expects us to love Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds. That’s it. Nothing more; nothing less. We don’t have to DO anything. We just have to be madly and deeply in love with Him.

The reason we don’t find rest in Him is because we are too busy living up to other expectations. We over-commit ourselves. We fill our lives with things that we don’t need – all the while sacrificing what we do need: rest in God.

We have to make time for it. Perhaps this means giving up a ministry that has you too stressed. Or spending more money on groceries so you can enjoy time reading God’s Word instead of cutting coupons. Maybe it means letting the laundry sit so you can curl up with a movie or a great book while the kids nap. I’m not suggesting we slack off on our responsibilities – only that we get our priorities straight. God must come first, so we need to make time for Him. Whatever will help you — a devotional, a babysitter, a change in thinking — whatever it is, find it. Go out of your way to make room for God’s rest. You won’t believe how good it feels.

“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