02 Sep The Goodness of God: Labor to Rest
The Goodness of God: Labor to Rest
There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrew 4:9-11
This weekend, as we observe the American Holiday of Labor Day. The holiday is a time of relaxation and the unofficial end of summer, but also, let’s use it as a reminder of God’s desire for us to rest. Just as this holiday was established to celebrate the contribution of workers and the eight-hour workday, God also wants us to rest in His provision, His Word, promises, protection and His ability to be God in our lives every day.
Rest is not always easy to come by. There’s often a battle to rest, and it’s important to establish boundaries to protect our rest. This may mean setting a bedtime, turning off distractions, and prioritizing our well-being.
Plan to go to bed at 8 pm each night. Watch the phone or doorbell ring, text notifications start going off. Yes, it may be important but so is your rest. Jesus tells his disciples after so many people were coming and going before them. He told them to come away and get some rest. Mark 6:31 or Psalm 127:2 “It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of [anxious] toil—for He gives [blessings] to His beloved in sleep.” Rest is a Blessing!
That’s the physical side. How about spiritual rest? Ginger Harrington says, “Spiritual rest is the rest of faith, the ability to remain connected to Christ as we live and work with Him.” She said to live and work with Him. That means God is aware of your workload, your life, your family, and all the stuff that’s going on. Everything that concerns us concerns God; we just must stay connected.
How do we stay connected? One way is through the Word of God. “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” Psalm 119: 105. Get the promises of God working, plant that Word deep in your heart, and don’t ever move away from it. It never helped anybody to worry; it is a robber of your rest. Check out Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ” Start and end your day with the Word of God.” Just be sure to mix it with faith. 😊
Another way to stay connected and create a posture of rest is through our personal time with God. I have found that if we can manifest the presence of God, His glory will show up. There’s a song by Larnelle Harris that I love but it will also jerks the slack out of of you. The song is entitled “I miss my time with you.” I’ll share the lyrics from the opening stanza of the song:
There He was just waiting,
In our old familiar place
An empty spot beside Him
Where once I used to wait
To be filled with strength and wisdom
For the battles of the day
I would have passed Him by again
If I didn’t hear Him say
I miss my time with you.”
The key to perfect rest is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Enjoy the holiday weekend; just remember to labor to rest in Christ.💕
Theresa Woodard
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