In our hustle culture, rest can sometimes feel like a timeout when it is actually a gift that God graciously gives us because He knows we will get tired. It’s important when we become weary to accept God’s gift of rest and understand that taking time to rest is not the same as quitting. Actually, rest fuels you to keep going so you don’t burn yourself out. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30 to:
“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 ESV)
The rest Jesus gives is not just physical rest, but rest for our souls. Many times, we don’t want to rest because we feel our significance and value is defined by how productive we are but Jesus’ love for us and the value that God has already given us grants us rest from having to work to prove ourselves. We are already accepted by God. We accept God’s promise of rest because we already have God’s approval, we don’t have to work for it, and we don’t need man’s approval when God is for us. Today, I encourage you to receive God’s precious gift of rest to restore your soul.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of rest that You promise me in Your Word. When I am tempted to strive and work for Your love, remind me that You love me just as I am, and not because of anything I do. In Jesus Christ’s Name, I pray. Amen.