Tag: <span>rest</span>


“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30


My life, (particularly over the Christmas season), often feels scattered, frenzied, and harried.

If that sounds like your life too, take a moment to ponder these words of Jesus, found in Matthew’s gospel.

Jesus invites us to rest.

His invitation draws us. We are so tired. Yet at the same time, we resist this rest. There is so much to do. Our society says rest comes simply with inactivity. So, we put up our feet and watch a movie. We take a luxury vacation to escape the real world for a while. Or, when overwhelmed, we do nothing and allow external forces to push us from one situation to the next. Yet none of these things brings us real rest.

The rest Jesus offers requires action. He instructs us:

  • Take My yoke upon you.
  • Learn from Me.

Jesus tells us to bind ourselves to Him. Like the ancient wooden frame that joined two oxen, Jesus asks us to make His way the framework for our lives. Following God’s commands provides the direction we need and frees us from the bondage of sin. Instead of frantically seeking approval from people, we rest in the knowledge that God loves and accepts us. Worry and fear fade away as we trust God to provide and release control to Him.

Jesus also calls us to learn from Him.

His gentle care for us teaches us patience and mercy. His humility and selflessness show us how to unselfishly serve others. Real rest comes when we put our lives in God’s hands and learn from Jesus.

God, I’m floundering. Life is pulling me in too many directions. I want to follow your ways and find real rest. Amen.

By Suzanne Benner
Used by Permission

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Further Reading

•   God Is…

•  More than a Father

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Suzanne Benner Thoughts by Women

“Find rest Oh my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”  Psalm 62:5


Are you like me, always trying to engineer the world, especially as it pertains to me? I worry and fret over things that may not even happen and magnify the significance of those that do.

Sometimes I have to sit back and scold myself for all the time and energy I waste worrying about such things. God is in control of both the major and minor events of my life.

He says, “Rest in Me, My child. Give your mind a break from planning and trying to anticipate what will happen. Pray continually, asking My Spirit to take charge of the details of this day. Remember that you are on a journey with Me. When you try to peer into the future and plan every possibility, you ignore your constant Companion who sustains you moment by moment. As you gaze anxiously into the distance, you don’t even feel the strong grip of My hand holding yours.”

How foolish we are when we try to get in His way and take over the running of our lives.

Remembrance of Him is a daily discipline and we should never lose sight of His constant and continual presence with us. We should rest in Him all day, every day.

As His love streams through us, it washes away fear and distrust. He should be in our thoughts as we consider strategies to deal any situation.

God gave us His Holy Spirit as a constant companion and councilor. He is always there and never leaves and is just a prayer away at all times and in all things. Because of that, we never have to face any situation alone. His presence is all around us. Don’t worry about messing things up. He is in control and He is more concerned with our persistence than our perfection.

Why worry when you can pray?

By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney


Are you ready to ask the Holy Spirit to direct your life? Why not pray this simple prayer right now and by faith invite God to fill you with His Spirit:

Dear Father, I need you. I acknowledge that I have sinned against you by directing my own life. I thank you that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If so, bow in prayer and trust God to fill you with the Holy Spirit right now.


If you prayed this prayer we would love to hear from you . If you would like to know God deeper we can connect you with an email mentor and/or send you some great links.


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Further Reading

•  Why Worry Yourself Sick? – by Muriel Larson

•  Overwhelmed by Negative Feelings?

•  Salvation Explained


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