Monday, July 2, 2012

Rest & Be Still

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." - Genesis 1:31 ; 2:1-3
Busy. Busy. Busy.  American culture has us engulfed by information, work, and tasks. Our days are filled with work to be done and things to do. Even when we are waiting in line we pick up our cell phones and begin to engage in social media or read the latest new bulletin. If you have ever lost your cell phone, you can understand the heart wrenching sense of loss and connection with the world that follows. I don't know if we know how to rest at all. God purposed rest to be a distinct part of our lives. When was the last time you took a step back in peace and quiet?

We are made in the image and likeness of God. Even God, who is the creater of all took a whole day to observe and see what he had done. He surveyed his work, commented on its beauty and appreciated his craftmanship. He rested. Often, it is when we rest that we can recapture peace again. Too frequently, we seek to find peace in the midst of our busy schedules. We wake up at the crack of dawn and go to bed in the wee hours of the morning. Our schedules our booked solid. In our minds, this is how we understand what is means to be productive and valued. Our dreams, businesses, and careers hinge upon how busy our schedule is. Psalm 46:10 reads, "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"

 It is important to rest and regain focus on what's really important. Sometimes in the midst of working so hard to create and build our dreams we lose sight of the pure joy of our mission and God's purpose for our lives. Put your cell phone down, get off facebook & twitter, look beyond your meeting agenda, and find some time to sit and enjoy the majesty of God's creation. Enjoy yourself and your family. You are true beauty at its finest. When you rest and know that God has total control of everything in your life, you usher in the peace that surpasses all understanding to take control of every facet of your existence. Each time I take time off for vacation, I find a renewed appreciation for my current position. I come to acknowledge how far my family has come and where God is taking us. Sometimes, all God wants you to do is take a que from Him and rest, be still, and listen for what he has been trying to tell you for so long.

It is not just about going away to some carribean island, or exotic destination. When you come home, you lose all sense of rest and relaxation. You can leave your problems behind but when you come back they will be there to welcome you with open arms. What we really need is rest for our soul. If you have not given your heart to God and confessed Jesus as your savior, you are limiting yourself from experiencing the true peace that surpasses all understanding. In Matthew 11:28-30 it reads, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Your heart and life can change drastically for the better. You don't have to wrestle with discontent, heart ache, depression, or despair anymore. God's arms are wide open.

Cut the noise out of your life and pay attention. Rest and relaxation does not have to come at the cost of a bundle of money. True rest come through Jesus Christ. In Him you can take moments from your busy schedule and reconstruct your life to hold authentic value. You can bring order to your home and establish peace in your family. Wouldn't it be great to be in a constant state of peace? Look for it in God.  Your life and your family will thank you for it.

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