It has been on my mind a lot lately. This idea of REST. Maybe because it is so elusive. Perhaps it is because I so desperately crave it.
I have been meditating on these verses from Matthew 11...
Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am humble and gentle in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
I love the promise that when we come to Jesus, we will find rest. So why do I search for it in so many other places? Why do I allow myself to grow weary when I KNOW where true rest is found?
The truth is that life is hard. And rest is not always easy to find. Sometimes, I just want to be able to grab my "ganky" (as my 4 year old calls his greatest treasure!) and be able to shut out the world. I want to rest from it all.
But there is a never ending pile of laundry. A counter that is always covered with dishes. Children who need to be loved on. A babe in my womb who based on her movement in utero will probably be a gymnast. Misunderstandings. Condemnation. Forgotten appointments. Not following through.
But when I meditate on scripture, I realize that this is not the rest that Jesus promises. He doesn't want us to shut out the world and sleep. He wants us to embrace what He brings our way with the knowledge that HE is in control of all of it. Not us! He wants us to learn of Him and to imitate Him in all that we do.
When strivings cease...
And so, I will continue to seek rest. Not in my faulty understanding, but in coming to Jesus and learning of Him.
There at his feet...
...I will find rest!
Joining the beautiful Five Minute Friday community hosted by Lisa-Jo Baker on the subject of "rest".
SO true - we try to find rest in other places so often, don't we? Found you today at the Link Up on Lisa Jo's blog. Have a blessed day & take time to rest! :)
ReplyDeleteI know the days well of looking for my "ganky" and in the midst I am grateful for His example of sabbath rest - a simple moment to recognize the Holy in the midst of my daily. A breath of life to a worn out soul.
ReplyDeleteAh, a breath of life to a worn out soul- love that!!
DeleteSome days I wish I had a blankie of my very own to ease me into resting. I love this idea of accepting what He sends to us and resting in the knowledge that He is in control of it all. Not an easy feat for a control freak like me. It was very nice to "meet" you last night!
ReplyDeleteI think God knew rest would not be easy for us- which is why it is a gift that He demonstrated rest, don't you think? It's not like HE needed to rest...
DeleteLove that verse and Amen!! He wants us to embrace what comes our way, and He gives us the strength we need to embrace it. Truly we can only find rest in Him and I too always look to other things to bring rest that only God can give... Ugg someday I pray to fully know the meaning. Beautiful post Becky!
ReplyDeleteI hope that made sense my brain and words are fried:)
DeleteOh, it made complete sense, Jenn! Yes, so easy to try to find our rest elsewhere when true rest can only be found in Him. Thankful for you and sisters who share this same journey- love that we can remind each other of truth!
DeleteAmen friend! Great passage and we were on the same track once again in our heartbeat and writing! Love you!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2013/03/rest-five-minute-friday.html
Can't wait to read your take on it!!! :)
DeleteAh yes, I think of you often - trying to get it all done before the gymnast arrives in all her glory. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing this today. I love your words and I wish you lots of rest. ROCK ON!
ReplyDeleteYes, when strivings cease...Thank you, friend. Praying for you and that little gymnast!!
ReplyDeleteThis just reminds me to lay it all down. Like now. :)
ReplyDeleteThat picture is priceless! Becky, if only my four year old would rest. Sigh... I love that you reminded us of the verse in matthew to lay our weary burdens at His feet and find the only one Who ever can give us rest.
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