Labor To Rest

    In this season God has challenged me to use my time wisely. In using my time, I feel compelled to learn to listen to my body. I've learned that in order to achieve anything productive you have to sleep and learn to rest. I've struggled with the idea that when others have expectations of me that I should be influenced or swayed away from what I value or see as a priority. I just have to seek Him to know where EVERYTHING needs to go in my life. Our bodies were made to perform best when fully rested. According to science, most adults need to have at least 7 hours of sleep at night. Countless studies have shown that failure to rest can cause a myriad of health problems. When one gets adequate sleep they can concentrate and focus. Quality sleep is restorative both mentally and physically. 

    Our culture tells us that, if we do decide to rest it is considered being lazy. The problem with this logic is that God created us to engage in intentional periods of rest. He actually rested. Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.(KJV) This should indicate to us clearly that we are not only allowed, but commissioned to rest. Not only is rest essential, it is holy. Exodus 20:8-11 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (ESV) The word Sabbath means to abstain from work in observance of a religious day. So not only are we not to work, but we are to spend the time with God to be refreshed by His Spirit and Presence.

    I find myself at times stuck in my own head. It is those moments when I am unable to sleep or rest as I should, it is my cue that I am not allowing God to ease my stress. Philippians 4:6 tells me not to be anxious about anything. Do you know what is ironic though? When you haven’t gotten adequate rest you tend to be more anxious. These are the moments when I have to remind myself that sweet sleep is a gift from God. Psalm 127:2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. It's a promise that I will be safe when I sleep. (ESV)  Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (ESV)

    When I'm restless, it is my internal alarm that I'm trying to do it all by myself in my own strength. Philippians 4:13 says it best that I can only do things through the strength that comes through Christ Jesus. My strength isn't enough. Not only do I need strength, but I need grace. God gives me the grace that is complete. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (NKJV) Paul was joyful that he needed God’s strength. To me that means he doesn’t have to try to do it on his own. He can utilize the strength that only God can give. When I become weak and restless, I optimize the time to meditate on The Word of God. Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (ESV) When the load is too great it's my job to stop and give it to the Lord.

    Many times we are struggling because we are trying to be the Lord over our lives. We're trying to handle everything that isn't our responsibility. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.(NKJV) It's time to stop toiling with the issues that plague us and to focus on resting. Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. (ESV)

    Let’s pray: God, thank you for the rest that only comes from you. That you that the rest is holy. Thank you that we can function at a better level when we rest in You. You have promised us the sweetest rest in your Word. We take hold of that rest in Jesus' name. We take your yoke upon us for it is easy and light. We do not have to struggle with things that are not ours to bear. We can give it to you and leave it there. Thank you for providing everything that we need so that we can release all of our concerns to you. We repent for the times we have overextended ourselves and didn’t turn to you. We want to live a life completely dependent on you. You are so faithful and we trust you in Jesus name. Amen. 

Scripture References: Genesis 2:3 (KJV), Exodus 20:8-11(ESV), Philippians 4:6, Psalm 127:2, Psalm 4:8, Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV), Matthew 11:28 (ESV), 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV), Hebrews 4:11 (ESV)

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