Rest…
Some nights sleep is illusive. I’m not fretting about anything in particular. And weariness isn’t really in my mind or body – could it be soul rest is missing?
In this world, that wouldn’t be a hard thing to miss out on. Just when I think I’m getting prayer, Bible study, and seeking the Holy Spirit (and all the things I know are God’s best for me) figured out – there’s this uneasiness. Is it a stirring to more, is complacency setting in? Or is there something on the horizon and preparation is needed?
Do you find yourself, at times, needing just a bit more…rest? Then here’s what we need right now: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
There is a call to action in that verse. Can’t just read it and be done. Three words: Come – To – Me. If you’re like me, I look at those words and say: ‘I do, I come to You, where is this rest?’ It’s there and I know it. When I’m lost in reading His words, it’s there. When I lose myself in fervent prayer, it’s there.
But what about in the middle of the night? Or the unanswered prayer? Or the fear that creeps in now and then? “Take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29 CSB)
Another call to action: take up My yoke. Have I, have you? How do we? It goes back to the first step – come to Me. The yoke of accepting salvation, of taking off our old ways and habits and putting on His ways. Daily putting on His Word, covering ourselves with prayer, and, with every step, seeking the Holy Spirit to show us the way.
Jesus says about all this: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30 CSB) And it is. So much lighter than fretting about all the world’s troubles and politics and unfairness and money and relationships and all that s-t-u-f-f. So much lighter is the load of t-r-u-s-t.
I want to trust, but I’m learning it’s a lifelong process. When we accept Jesus, there are some things that change immediately – and it’s different for each of us. And there are some things we will wrestle through ever so gradually. Why? Because the plan He has for each of us is perfected through a life that looks back and sees Him each step of the way. A soul that says ‘I trust You, Lord – help me do so more each day.’
So tonight whether we sleep soundly or not, we can still rest easy knowing He never leaves us.
parisrenae 
Trust is a lifelong process. Each experience, each time we doubt and He proves Himself faithful, trust grows a little bit more. So grateful He is with me each time I wrestle in this process because He brings the constant assurance He will never leave me. Beautiful and encouraging post!
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So true, little by little, and never rejects us when we lapse – blessings as you rest in those arms and as you step in daily trust…
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I find the more I trust God the easier it is to trust him the next time. Also, looking back at how he’s never failed me yet increases my ability to trust him.
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So true, the more we lay down self and let Him lead the way, the more rest we find. Blessings as you walk daily in His care…
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Sleep struggles are definitely an issue, and I’m learning (like you!) to put the time to good use, rehearsing the faithfulness of God. This builds trust for the day ahead.
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And oh so faithful He is, right! Blessings as you trust Him daily…
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Those verses in Matthew are among my all time favorites. I especially love the Message version: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
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Paris – Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth. Oh, how I needed to read these words. I am in need of some rest. Maree
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Soul rest is so much more refreshing isn’t it, blessings as you rest in His care…
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