Rest

The Lord replied: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus: 33:14

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

I have been thinking about the word “rest” lately. Dictionary.com defines the word as: relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs. a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility: to go away for a rest. mental or spiritual calm; tranquility. the repose of death: eternal rest. cessation or absence of motion: to bring a machine to rest.

When we were children, my mom would have my siblings and I lay down for a “rest.” Not be confused or encouraged to take a nap, it was just time to be still for a bit. Naturally we usually fell asleep anyway. A much needed rest for rambunctious little bodies. Needless to say, I carried this over to my children too.  At Camp Calvin Crest, our kids had FOB time—Flat On Back—reflection and rest time.

When we awake from a very restful sleep, both our bodies and our minds are renewed. One can’t happen without the other: sleep is interrupted with a distracted mind (3:00 a.m. thoughts anyone?); and a relaxed mind is distracted with an uncomfortable body. When we combine physical and mental rest with spiritual rest in Jesus, that is the ultimate state of rest, calm and tranquility. Resting in Jesus, giving everything over to Him, is a lesson I keep relearning. Thankfully, He is a patient teacher.

Prayer: Dear Jesus , You offer rest to us at every turn if only we would come rest at your feet and let go of our burdens. Thank you for patiently waiting on us to talk to you, our faithful and loving Savior. Amen.

Cathy Schapmann