I don't know about you, but if you're like me it can be hard for you to find the time to rest. I'm not just talking about taking the time to stop and do nothing or relax. I mean really taking the time to set aside all distractions and focus in on the things that really matter. Focus in on Jesus and allowing Him to give you rest.
We often forget that one of the ten commandments is to remember the sabbath and keep it holy. God rested on the seventh day, I'm pretty sure that if the Creator of the universe is able to take the time to rest we can make some time for rest as well. I know for some of us even just the thought of taking a step back from everything can cause anxiety and maybe even a little bit of guilt, but trust me. We all need rest. I love this reminder found in Matthew 11.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Jesus with your burdens and allow Him to give you the rest your soul so desperately desires. Allow Him to be the rest you seek, and allow Him to be everything you need. Friends, when you have Jesus you have everything you will ever need. He is for you friends and He loves you with an everlasting love.
I love that reminder from Matthew, that He is all we need. Give your burdens over to God and allow Him to give you rest. Trust Him with it friends.
"And he said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." - Exodus 33:14
We serve an ever-present God friends, He will never leave you or forsake you. He is for you and not against you. I know personally it can be so hard to take the time to find rest. I get so caught up with work and classes that by the time I am able to take a break I crash or I feel guilty for taking a day off because I have so much to do. Let me tell you, this is a cycle that is extremely hard to break and one that seemingly continues to go round and round with no end in sight, but it doesn't have to stay that way.
Jesus can give you the rest you so desperately need. The rest your soul desires, allow Him to walk along side you and give you rest. I know it can be hard, but set aside some time each week to really rest. Rest in the presence of God and in His promises. Allow Him to be the guide and your life leader and remember He is all you need.
"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his." - Hebrews 4:9-10
I want to challenge you this week to set aside some time to rest in the presence of God and allow Him to give you rest.
Much Love friends,
Alianna