What does true rest look like?

 Matthew 11:28 says: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Have you ever wondered – What true rest looks like?

Let me read this verse in the Amplified Bible and see if this helps clarify it a little...

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].

So today let’s see if we can answer the question – “What does true rest look like?”

In a world burdened by busyness, Jesus invites us into something greater—and the Bible calls this - rest.

Here are 3 ways we can create a place to rest.

1^st TALK TO GOD

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He often withdrew to rest and connect with God.

Whether you’re driving, going on a walk, or spending time with the people in your life, it is important to pause and talk to God throughout your day.

Not just because you need Him, but because you love Him and desire to share your day with Him.

2^nd BE INTENTIONAL

You must realize, like with the many other things you need to do - Prioritizing rest won’t happen by accident.

If this isn’t something you’ve done before...

Try scheduling time to be still each day on your calendar, and if needed, convey those times to your family and friends.

This will help you stay accountable when the world tries to pull you into work and activity.

Now these first two are ways in which we can rest throughout our daily life. But this 3^rd one involves something more ...  And that is:

3^rd PRACTICE SABBATH REST

From the beginning, God modeled rest, and He told us to make it part of our weekly rhythm.

Hebrews 4:9-11 AMP

⁹ So there remains a [full and complete] Sabbath rest for the people of God. 

¹⁰ For the one who has once entered His rest has also rested from [the weariness and pain of] his [human] labors, just as God rested from [those labors uniquely] His own. 

¹¹ Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], so that no one will fall by following the same example of disobedience [as those who died in the wilderness].

This idea of intentionally setting aside a day to be with God and enjoy His presence is called Sabbath rest. It’s a way to remember that God loves us not because of what we do... but because of Who He is.

If we fail to enter that rest, then we will miss true worship of our redeeming God.

Our need for Sabbath rest has never been more relevant than it is today. It offers much needed physical rest, space, and time for reflection upon the incredible works of God. And it paints a timeless picture of our spiritual rest in Christ.

For the Sabbath rest is our Divine empowerment, our Divine catalyst and invitation to worship.

I’m reminded of that hymn, “Lord Be Glorified”  It’s a simple little song....

In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified!

In my life Lord, be glorified, be glorified today.

In Your church Lord, be glorified, be glorified!

In Your church Lord, be glorified, be glorified today.

In my home Lord, be glorified, be glorified!

In my home Lord, be glorified, be glorified today.

In my words Lord, be glorified, be glorified!

In my words Lord, be glorified, be glorified today.

 

But, let me end with a question...

When was the last time you really rested in God’s presence?