Rest

Do you ever have those times where you are hearing and seeing the same thing over and over? That has definitely been going on here under the topic of rest. Multiple conversations with multiple people, in books I'm reading and in sermons I'm listening too. Seems God's trying to tell me something!

I wanted to share a few nuggets I've gleaned from the last few weeks.

     ~The greatest expression of faith in God is to rest in his care. - Joseph Prince

     ~Moses won the battle and the people he led experienced victory while he was seated (a position of rest).  Exodus 17: 8-13.

     ~Jesus fed 5,000 men and his preparation instructions were to have the people sit down (a position of rest).  John 6:10.

     ~The enemy is restless. (Matthew 12:43) This bring new context to 1 Peter 5:7-8: Cast your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The instruction is to be in anxiety free - resting in Him. The enemy wants to rattle you and take your rest as he is restless.

     ~Rest does not mean inactivity. Rest means knowing and believing at your core that God is for you and not against you. -Joseph Prince

     ~Of the 10 commandments God gave, He spent the most words on instructions for the Sabbath, the day of rest - 98 words in the ESV translation. (Exodus 20:8-11)

     ~The Sabbath (the day or rest) isn't for the sake of the other days of the week, but the other days of the week are for the sake of Sabbath. This great day isn't an interlude but the climax of living. A. J. Heschel

     ~The Sabbath (the day of rest) isn't about what is done or left undone as much as breathing in the goodness of God. - Margaret Feinberg

     ~The fight of faith we have to fight is to enter his rest. (Hebrews 4:1-11)

     ~To not rest is disobedience and a form of unbelief. (Hebrews 3:18-19)

I am coming to realize that to rest is not a punishment, but a privilege. It puts me in a position of provision and enables me to see that God is who he says he is, that he does what he says he will do and eliminate any confusion about who gets the credit.

Where are you at unrest? What is the boiled down lie? How can you apply God's truth and enter the rest he has for you? Be encouraged today! He has green pastures, still waters and restoration for your soul! Fight to believe it! He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32)

Lord, there is no good thing you will withhold from us. May we fight to know that truth in the depths of our convictions and find rest for our hearts. You are so good! Thank you!