For as the promise of resting in Him pulls us on to God’s goal for us, we need to be careful that we are not disqualified … If we believe, we will experience that state of resting … God rested on the seventh day, having completed His work … The promise of rest is there for God’s people. God Himself is at rest. And at the end of the journey we will surely rest with God, so let’s keep at it. From Hebrews 4: 1-11 (MSG)
A house is an address, a place marker for our lives, a shelter and a bed.
Home is the place we most often rest our weary bodies and our weary souls, like Mary and Joseph in the stable with baby Jesus. This is the place we have prepared so we can rest from the burdens of our world and our daily lives. We also need to rest from the spiritual work and harvest He has called us to do. This is where we share the blessings God has given us with our families and friends. Without a home, there is no rest for us.
People who don’t have a home have little rest. But whether we have a physical home or not, our true home is with God and He promises true rest with Him.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Come to Me. Get away with Me. 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. Matthew 11: 28-30 (MSG)
This is one of those circular concepts that grows upon itself, like a coil, moving forward and upward. We are yoked and burdened from the things of this world. We take up the yoke of Christ and find freedom and rest. We are now free to be His light and do His work. We do this work freely, but are aware that we don’t want to be disqualified, because we believe and want to see His work completed (Hebrews 4). Then we may feel burdened from the work of Christ. But we know that He is gentle and humble and says to us, “This burden is not yours to carry.” We begin to give Him that burden to carry while we prepare the ground and plant seeds for His harvest. As we are working, we learn how to rest on the Sabbath, but as we look forward to the true and eternal rest that He promised, we keep working for Him in freedom.
Find freedom from that thing that weighs you down and prevents you from seeking His rest. Find freedom and joy in the things you do for God, knowing the results are His burden. Rest and relax in His peace. Make more room for peace in this season. Listen for His gentle voice as you pray for yourself and others, “It will be alright.”
What weighs you down?
How might this attitude of freedom and rest translate into your daily life?
Lord of the Sabbath Rest, I need Your peace today. I need Your rest. I need Your freedom. Speak to me about my worries and my burdens and calm my soul. My soul is Yours and Yours alone. Give me Your true rest. Amen.
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