3 Main Principles of Resting in God Alone
I'm on a quest-a quest for REST. This is so very important to me because I've recently come to realize that REST eludes me because of a driven personality and a need to constantly strive, toil and try to make things work my way. I have done this all my life.
But no more; I'm tired of it all…I want rest for my weary soul and body. I want my mind, will and emotions to be at REST and free from the anxiety and stress that accompanies a performance-based and driven lifestyle.
I WANT REST and I want it now!
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REST is found in God Alone
So, where should I look for it and how will I recognize it when I find it? Jesus Christ says that REST is found in Him alone; and not only CAN I find rest, I can also enjoy its many blessings and rewards.
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
That's how it reads in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible; but the contemporary language of The Message Bible really speaks to my spirit and soul.
"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."
What does it all mean? These two verses have been playing over and over again in my mind the last couple of months; so there must be a deeper meaning. When I meditate on these verses and study them, I uncover three main principles:
1. It's easy to spot the lack of REST.
2. There are three conditions that must be met to obtain REST.
3. If I meet these conditions I will receive and enjoy numerous blessings and rewards from the REST that God provides.
It's easy to spot when you're not at rest.
Although you may not be able to pinpoint exactly what's wrong or where the unrest is in your life; you just know beyond a shadow of doubt that something's wrong or out of kilter.
You use phrases like, "tired and worn out", "stressed and burned out" to describe how you're feeling. If you notice these phrases all have "out" at the end, meaning that you've exhausted your supply of something and have come to the end of your own resources and need replenishing.
The continued lack of REST results in weariness, a loss of interest in people, things and even life itself.
Now, I hope you see why I MUST HAVE REST.
More on principles two and three later.
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