Seasons of Rest

by May 18, 2018Missions

In Matthew 11, Jesus encourages us to come to Him when we are weary. The promise is this: He will give us rest and refreshment in exchange for our weariness. What a great deal! But in reality, what does this rest really look like?

For most of my life, rest was a pleasant concept. I longed to find true rest deep in my soul, but I couldn’t grasp how to attain it. Yet, I knew that the Word promised me that I could find that rest, and all I needed to do was “come to Jesus.”

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.  Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.  For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” –Matthew 11:28-30 The Passion Translation

Recently, while home in the USA recovering from surgery, God invited me into His rest. I could sense a gentle drawing in my heart to “come away.” Although back in Cambodia now and going strong, I am still benefiting from that season of rest. He renewed me, restored me, showed me more of Himself, lightened my load, replenished me, and healed not only my body, but He did an amazing work in my heart as well. There is no dollar amount that someone could put on that season… it was truly priceless.

I realize that there isn’t always an opportunity to take a chunk of time to rest like I did as I was healing from surgery, but what does rest look like in the midst of day-to-day life? At Missionary Training International, the leaders encouraged us to rest daily, weekly, quarterly, and yearly. I’ve really taken this to heart, especially now that I am on the mission field. I want my heart to stay in a place of renewal and my “reserves of resilience” to remain full. Even if the day is busy, it could look like finding moments to refocus on Jesus, take a deep breath or two, and remember His love. It could look like a weekend away or a prayer walk on a lunch break. It could mean setting the alarm early or staying up late to spend time in His presence. It could look like putting on worship and taking a nap. Sometimes it takes creativity, and it requires intentionality.

May I invite you to explore rest through different lenses today? Or maybe you already have the hang of it, but regardless, my hope is that you are encouraged to take Jesus up on His amazing offer and exchange weariness for rest. I certainly am still in process of learning this for myself and what it looks like in my own life. Let’s “come to Him” today!

Written by: Cathy Cupp
Published on: 5/18/18

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