Post by MikeV on Jan 14, 2022 16:51:33 GMT -5
REST Day 1: Slow Down and Relax
“Be still….” (Psalm 46:10)
In today’s chaotic world, it’s hard to stop and let go; yet if we want God’s REST, this is what we must do. The first two words of Psalm 46:10 are “Be still.” In the original language, these words suggest a command to cease striving, slow down, be quiet, relax and withdraw. God is speaking here. He is telling us to stop and drop whatever we are doing or thinking and worrying about and come to Him.
Frantic activity and fretting over unimportant details put the attention and focus on self and circumstances. We struggle to make life work in our strength by trying harder and even harder, pulling out all the stops and making every effort to the point of exhaustion. It is UNREST.
Do you want to rest?
When we stop our frenzied activities and focus on God, we see what’s important. It may appear to be “easier said than done,” but He is the Only One who can give you rest. There are no quick fixes or five-step processes. Are you tired of struggling? Have you come to the end of your resources and don’t know what to do? Then, ask God to teach you what it truly means to relax and let go.
Oh Lord, help me to let go, cease striving and learn to enter into Your REST.
REST Day 2: Know God
“…and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Psalm 46 declares that God is our REST (refuge and strength) and always ready to help in time of trouble (UNREST). As we continue the devotional series on what it means to slow down, relax and let go, on Day 2, we learn about Who provides the strength to cease striving.
Verse 10 of this Psalm makes it evident that God is The One who gives REST, and we are “to know” that the power to cease striving and “be still” comes from Him.
Do you want the Power to REST?
To know someone who will give you power requires a personal relationship. The same is true of God. If you want His Power, you need to know Him. How can you get to know Him? The only way it can happen is to have a redeeming relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Once you accept Christ as Savior and Lord, you immediately get His Power to REST!
REST Day 3: The Quest
“ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Are you on a quest for restful peace and tranquility or have you found it yet? Our culture today is filled with people who are searching for time-outs from the frenzy of busy lifestyles. It doesn’t help that many of them are “control freaks” with the constant need to strive, toil and make things work their way. Does this sound familiar?
I tried for decades to take a break from the anxiety and stress that accompanies a performance-based and driven lifestyle but was unsuccessful until recently. Here’s what I discovered. You find REST in God Alone. In the above Scripture, Jesus Christ emphatically states that He is the only One Who can give you relief from your burdens, and not only can you relax and take it easy, but you can also enjoy many blessings and rewards as you let go in Him. What a bargain!
To read the rest of the series Click