Rest?

“I think for Bob to stay in bed is not the easiest”. These words were emailed from a friend to my wife just after my surgery, suggesting that I do not rest well. On the outside that may appear to be true. My personality coupled with my deep love of work seem to destine me to a life without rest – if, in fact, rest is the absence of activity.

My hope for rest seemed precarious until I read the book of Joshua. In the midst of promising rest, God told the children of Israel to conquer and occupy the land He had promised to them – not activity-free events. Ultimately, rest does not result from what we do or don’t do; it is a gift of God. By the end of the book of Joshua, it says “The Lord gave them rest on every side…”. (Joshua 21:44, NIV) This rest resulted not from the absence of activity, worry, or troubles, but from the presence of God.

Could that be the reason Jesus said come unto me and I will give you rest? (Matthew 11:28) He did not promise that he would take away the difficulties of life; he promised that in Him, there is rest.

Certainly refreshing quiet and Sabbath rest are vital to my well-being but ultimately my rest is found in God and His Presence with me. Will you join me in His presence this week and find the rest we need?

Sharing the journey with you,