Longing for Rest

There is something within all of us that longs for rest. We pursue it regularly – when we lie down every evening, when we take a day or two off of work, when we go on vacation, when we make weekend plans. We try to weave whatever rest we can find into our daily lives. All of these can help bring a degree of physical and maybe even mental rest, but I often find myself hoping for more.

In all the ways I have sought out rest, I have learned that true, fulfilling rest cannot be found apart from Jesus. The rest He gives is perfect and complete, the kind that satisfies our souls and brings restoration. To add to the beauty of it, He provides not only rest for the present, but for eternity.

In fact, He promises His children rest! God promises both His presence and rest in the Old Testament when speaking to Moses in Exodus 33:14, which reads, “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” Again, in Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls…’” 

Jesus reiterates the promise to His disciples in the New Testament in Matthew 11:28-30, “’Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’”

Jesus’ promise is paired with both an invitation and instruction. In order to receive the promised and guaranteed rest, we must first answer the invitation and go to Jesus. Thankfully, we can come as we are – weary and burdened. After we come, there are instructions that Jesus gives so that we can receive rest. We must take up the easy yoke of Jesus and learn from Him. Taking up His yoke is an act of surrender – letting go of control and letting God lead. 

And His Word tells us where He is leading us in Psalm 23:1-3… “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” 

I pray you are reminded of the Giver of Rest and encouraged to seek Him and His presence. May you know and believe there is serenity in surrender, restoration in a relationship with Jesus and rest today and forevermore.

*Guest blog written by Grace Parker Ferguson

 

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