FIRSTಮಾದರಿ

Rest Easy
By Stacy Burnett
Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1 (NIV)
I am always busy. Always in a hurry. It seems like there’s never time to slow down, to just rest. My life is constantly moving at a fast pace. And it’s been that way for almost as long as I can remember. However, I do remember a time when I would take a day of rest.
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of going to church and dedicating the first day of the week to the Lord — they instilled in me the importance of a Sabbath. In our home, Sunday was “rest day.” Every Sunday we’d go to church, come home, eat lunch, and then each of us would retreat to our rooms for a nap — a time of rest. Our Sunday nights were filled with family time, going to church or just spending a relaxing evening at home. I always seemed to start my week the right way — honoring the Lord through the Sabbath.
Where it all got mixed up and crazy, I don’t know.
Everywhere I look, I’m noticing just how busy people are. Yet, I’ve also been hearing a lot about the importance of rest … Sabbath rest, to be specific. Not only are more and more pastors teaching about this subject, but it seems like everything I’ve read lately talks about how we need to “slow down and rest.” I just read a popular woman’s magazine, and half the magazine was dedicated to showing women how to slow down their lives, take time for themselves, and simply … relax. Even the world knows how important it is to take a day and just “be.” Everyone, everywhere needs one big STOP sign!
There are important reasons why Sabbath rest is crucial to our existence. In Genesis 2:2–3 (NLT), we read, “On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy because it was the day when He rested from all His work of creation.” Why would an omnipotent God — who never sleeps, nor slumbers — rest? Is it possible that God our Father knows we need to rest, and therefore, out of His love for us, He literally lies down one day a week beside us?
God, our heavenly Father, took time to rest after creating the world. Did you hear me? The world! So why on earth can’t we take time out of our busy lives to stop, spend time with Him, and honor Him on the Sabbath? Just as God entered into rest on the seventh day, we too are supposed to enter into rest. He doesn’t just ask us to do it; He commands us to do it (Hebrews 4:1–11). How many of us are missing the opportunity to rest with God?
Now understand that it’s not as important when you take your day of Sabbath, but that you actually do take a day of rest and dedicate it to the Lord. We must take a day out of the week to be still, worship God, and rest. Our souls are crying out for this. We need rest. We are made in the image of God. God rested. The Bible tells us that even Jesus, God’s Son, rested: “The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, ‘Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.’ For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat” (Mark 6:30–31, MSG).
I’ve decided to make a change in my life. I’ve decided to become less busy. I didn't have the time to slow down and rest. So, now I’m making the time. I’ve realized that part of becoming more like Christ involves taking time to rest. It was an effort at first, but it’s a necessary part of life. It’s the only way I can exist. It’s the only way I can truly experience peace and calm in my life.
Are you ready to rest in the loving arms of your heavenly Father? Are you ready to receive the blessings that only come from resting in Him? I know I am!
What is without periods of rest will not endure.
~ Ovid
Memory Verse
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
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This devotional from pastors and leaders at Gateway Church is designed to provide you with the encouragement and biblical steps you need to learn how to put God first in every single area of your life.
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