REST for me comes when I give all my concerns to Jesus and trust Him to take care of me. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you Rest." Busyness is the killer of relationships and also of REST. The world tells us to work all the time so that we can earn more money to buy more stuff which we don't have time to enjoy because we're always working. Why not work less and be content with what you already have and be able to enjoy what really matters--your relationship with Jesus and with family and friends?
I used to believe that more stuff would make me happy and content but instead it only made me want more stuff--this obsessive cycle never stops. Contentment and REST only come when Jesus becomes our obsession. Only He can meet our needs and fill the hole in our hearts that we try to fill up with other things. When I am content, I naturally rejoice in Him more and thank Him for all the little blessings such as my yummy morning coffee, breakfast with friends, time with my family, walks in the country with my dog, Shea, a funny movie, a good book, an encouraging note, beautiful flowers, freshly mowed grass, the birds singing, etc. We have so many things to be thankful for. After my husband Tyler was diagnosed with cancer, we did slow down and enjoy God's blessings so much more. Don't wait until until a cancer diagnosis to relax and enjoy what really matters.
In order to REST in Jesus you have to love Him and in order to love Him you have to understand how much He loves you. I have the following words written (source unknown) in my Bible. Hopefully they will encourage you as they have me.
"Our love for God is always in direct relation to our perception of His love for us. He passionately pursues you and me to sweep us off our feet and convince us of His incredible love. How much does He love us? Enough to die for us. This image tells us of the incredible love of Jesus for you and me. He could have escaped the pain of the cross, and He could have annihilated the entire planet in an instant, but He endured the suffering to glorify God and demonstrate His love for us. The love of God is not just a principle or a theory. It is a powerful life-changing commitment by God to bring us into His arms and restore us to a love relationship with Him."
How awesome is that? What could bring more REST than understanding how much Jesus loves us. Since Ty was diagnosed with cancer over three years ago and went home to be with Jesus last October, I can certainly testify to Jesus' love and faithfulness. I could not have made it without Him. I miss Ty so much and wish every day that he would walk back into my life, but Jesus continues to be more than enough. I am amazed each day at the peace--Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"--and joy that He gives me as I choose to rejoice in Him and praise Him. As hard as it is for me to continue on here without Ty, I REST in Jesus' perfect plan for me. He gave me encouragement this morning in Habakkuk 3:18-19. "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights." The commentary further explains:
"Habakkuk had asked God why evil people prosper while the righteous suffer. God's answer: they don't, not in the long run. Habakkuk saw his own limitations in contrast to God's unlimited control of all the world's events. We cannot see all that God is doing, and we cannot see all that God will do, but we can be assured that He is God and will do what is right. Knowing this can give us confidence and hope in a confusing world."
Yes, we all face an uncertain future, but we can REST in our unchanging Savior and God. Keep seeking Him. He is forever faithful.
The song below by musical group 'Phillips, Craig and Dean' sums up the recent past for me. I stand in awe of my Savior, Jesus. I'm so thankful for His faithfulness to me. As the song says: "Jesus, I am so in love with You."
