Enter the Rest

Picture by me

Enter the Rest

     Rest means “an instance or period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activity.”  Do you find yourself stressed out periodically, thinking about the future?  Are you constantly going over scenarios in your mind, in order that you might be able to solve a situation going on in your life?  Do you get nervous when you think about everything that you have to do in order to be prepared for something?  I know I do and that is how I have been for as long as I can remember.  I get so stressed out that my mind starts going over every possible action to take and it can last for weeks or maybe even months at a time.  If I don’t get a situation resolved or the answer to my question almost immediately, I become anxious.  The definition of anxious is “experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”  THAT IS ME!  And if it’s not one thing, it’s another thing.  It’s like I am bound to some kind of uncertainty about something.  But, God does not want that for us.  In fact He offers several solutions to ease this.  Most likely, you all know what they are.  You’ve heard the verses, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-8)  “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”(Proverbs 12:25) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)  And there are so many more, but do we listen to them or do we believe them?  Do I believe them?  Today’s devotion is another reality check.  I think that we are so caught up in a process that we forget what we are doing and where we are going in life.  Our process has been what we have known for so long.  It’s a practice that we are used to.  We have let our anxiety become a part of us.  We allow something that is of this world (it is definitely not from God) rule in our hearts and minds.  Confusion and fear are NOT from our Heavenly Father.  God is filled with REST.  Doesn’t that word just sound nice?  REST. “Be still and know that I AM GOD.” (Psalm 46:10)  I think we need to take a look at our lives and grab hold of this promise.  This promise is for God’s people, that we might have rest instead of fear, peace instead of anxiety, and relaxation instead of nervousness.  Let’s cling to these verses today and when we find ourselves worrying, LET’S PRAY!  For our GOD is the Creator of the entire Universe, He is Omnipotent, fulfilling, and reassuring us every step of the way.  We must believe it in our hearts!  BELIEVE THAT GOD IS BIGGER THAN OUR SITUATION!

 “Therefore, stop worrying about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”(Matthew 6:34;CEB)

“In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind.” (James 5:11)

“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)