The Blessing of Rest

What comes to mind when you think about 'rest'? Does it bring up feelings of guilt? Perhaps worry that jobs won't get done. Perhaps you experienced a parent growing up who scolded you for sleeping in. Or a teacher who you could never quite please, with your efforts. Perhaps rest felt scary as a child. Rest is complicated and yet we know from God's story that 'rest' was God's plan from the very beginning for his people. To rest and be cared for by a loving Father. To not want for anything but the contentment of being known, seen and perfectly loved. Rest is good for us! Yet it has been distorted and disordered as a result of the fall, now we seem to be drawn to false concepts of rest. We binge, scroll, game, withdraw and avoid. They momentarily provide a form of relief, yet don't seem to refresh us in a way that enables us to live the lives intended for us. So how do we find true rest? Well, the Bible reveals to us that we find our rest in Jesus.

Come to me, all who labour 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).

It seems quite simple, laying our burdens at the feet of Jesus and receiving his free gift of salvation, an eternal rest for our souls. And yet, we need God's Spirit to draw us to that place and help us to hand everything over. We like to hold on, it can feel scary to let go of the old ways that have been protecting us and yet God has something better for us to hold on to.

How tightly do you grip onto thoughts, feelings or behaviours that could be weighing you down? Who or what is holding you back from finding true rest?

For now, we get a glimpse of the rest that we will one day enter permanently. We get a little taste as we gather with the family of God and hear God's word. As we pray and enjoy worship where we are strengthened and encouraged. This type of rest is a little different from when we lie down to sleep or take a little nap on the lounge (though these are good things!). It is resting from the need to control, the need to know the future or somehow erase the past. It is trusting that in this moment, "God loves me, I am His forever because of the work Jesus has done for me".

Now that is restful!

Would you like to feel supported by a Christian Counsellor as you seek to bring your burdens to Jesus and know the rest that he offers? Please get in touch with our team.

Meet the author Nada Appleby

Hi, I'm Nada. I love working with individuals across the life span helping them to safely explore their inner worlds so as to connect with God more fully and get to know the gifts and strengths he has given them in service to others. I try to bring into every session a glimpse of the compassion, love and acceptance that God has so freely given me. Visit Nada's page to learn more.