Ready For My Time Out

So there is a special rest [Sabbath-rest] still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. Hebrews 4:9-11 (NLT)

There is this song that I used to listen to by Mark Schultz called Running Just to Catch Myself. Lately, at the end of the week, I’ve been feeling like that. Here are a few of the words.

I'm still running
Running very late, For a meeting
Wait, that was yesterday
Guess I'm early for the one next week, Oh how sweet
I get on the ladder, I corporately climb
I wave at my life as it passes me by everyday

 I can't stand still Can I get a witness
Can you hear me Anybody, Anybody
I think I am running just to catch myself

In God’s infinite wisdom, he knew we would do this. He knew we would keep striving and not rest. He knew that our self-image would become about what we were doing instead of the Life-Giver. And in his infinite love for us, he gave us a day to rest. A day to stop thinking about what we needed to accomplish but to focus our gaze on the One who makes all things possible.

I personally look forward to this at the end of every week. It’s my time to unplug; stop thinking about everything on my to-do list and focus instead on my relationship with God. Kind of like giving myself a Time Out! And let me tell you, this week I am ready!

Minute In It - How Well Do You Rest?

A minute in Gods' word will change your life.  Read through the Bible text and ask yourself the questions at the bottom of the post.

The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.” Exodus 33:14 (NLT)

He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name. Psalm 23:2-3 (NLT)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:9

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will give rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. Hebrews 4:9-11 (NLT)

How well do I rest? Do I take time to rest my body, my soul and my mind? How much do I depend on God to provide rest to my soul? Do I take time out to spend time with God for my spiritual rest?

Work, Work, Work And Then Rest

It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late,
    and work your worried fingers to the bone.
Don’t you know he enjoys
    giving rest to those he loves?
Psalm 127:2 (NLT)

On first glance it looks like the Bible is saying we should all stay up late and sleep in, right? But that is not what the Bible says. The Bible actually talks about an honest man earning his keep and working diligently.

This text is talking about a problem I have. The problem is thinking that if I work hard enough I can make everything look like I want it to or better yet, look like what God wants it to be. In my willingness to work hard, I forget that I am not in charge. I forget that even though I can and will put in long hours, God is the one with all the answers, not me.

I forget that I need to rest and let God be God. God wants us to rest. That's why he gave us the Sabbath. A day to rest, a day to spend with him, a day to remember that He is in control.

The really awesome thing about resting is it often includes time with family and friends, laughter and fun. And then, when I get back to it, my mind is fresh and ready to tackle the work before me understanding completely who is in control.

Stop Trying So Hard

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God.  My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20 (NLT)

Would you mind if I paraphrased this text a little? I keep reading it over and over and here is what I hear when I do.

"When I checked all the boxes and did everything just right, I was no better off. I was never going to be good enough. All the things I was trying to do made me feel like I wasn't doing enough. So, I said "Enough!" Enough of chasing my tail trying to get it right. There has to be something better than this. And then I met Jesus. When I did, I realized that all that stuff didn't really matter. What mattered was that I loved him. This old body that runs into all sorts of illnesses and troubles; this old body that sometimes wants to give up; this body will keep her eyes on Jesus. When I feel overwhelmed, I will look at him and remember how much he loves me. And I will overcome. Not because I did anything right but because I don't have to."

A Minute In It - Time to Rest

A little time in the Word every day changes you. Sometimes, it is wonderful to read God's promises and just rest knowing that he's got this.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.