Rest

Anyone needing rest today?

Typically, when I need to rest, I opt for escape. I discover my limit physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. I search for restoration by escaping my current reality…. often by scrolling through Facebook, pinning endlessly on Pinterest, and flipping through Netflix.

Unfortunately, these venues do not provide true “rest”, particularly the kind of rest that Jesus offers in Matthew 11.

“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.” Matt 11:28-30

God has a plan for restoration of our bodies, souls, and minds. But it involves engaging ourselves in Him, not escaping altogether. I begged God to show me what it means to rest in Him, I felt He gave me this:

• Resolve
• Everything
• Surrendered
• To Christ

To truly rest, I must let go. Rather than escape everything I am holding on to, I must entrust it all to Jesus. I think this form of surrender is what Jesus meant when He said “take my yoke.” Psalms 46:10 clarifies it well:

“Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

For me, the word “resolve” is an active word. It signifies a choice I can’t back out on.

The word “Everything” encompasses all of my junk, sin, pride, hurts, accomplishments, confusion, questions, joy, love, possessions, and relationships.

“Surrendered” is past tense. It reminds me that I have already given everything to Christ… I just need to remember that He is in control.

“To Christ”… there is no other god who is worthy, no other savior who is able, and no other king who has the power to take what we surrender, and give us peace in its place. Jesus is the only one. I MUST check my attitude and make sure I am not trying to “resolve everything surrendered to myself” or even dump it all on my husband, pastor, or friends.

I hope this acronym encourages you as it has me. Let us continue to walk in submission, and find true rest for our souls there, even in the busy, chaotic, or even mundane days.