I fumble for the snooze button on my phone’s alarm. Once. Twice. Swinging reluctant feet from the bed to the floor, I blink the sleep from my eyes. A mental to-do list fills my thoughts before I brush my teeth or drink a cup of tea. Worry worms its way in, and I feel my jaw tighten.

Lord, I’m weary. Please show me how to find spiritual rest in you today.

 

What Did Jesus Say About Spiritual Rest?

Do you ever find yourself waking in a place of unrest? Living in a rhythm of hurry or have-to? Bowing beneath the weight of burdens you need not carry? Me, too. But over time (and by God’s grace) I am slowly learning the power and sweet pleasure of spiritual rest.

One of the passages that God has used to teach me about spiritual rest is Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you 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.”

Jesus, claiming equality with God in the previous verse, now:

• issues an invitation to those in need.
• offers freedom from sin and man-made rules.
• provides a route to peace and soul-rest.
• supplies the opportunity for an eternal exchange of a life spent in toil for one of joy in His presence.

 

What the Bible Say About Spiritual Rest

Making time for God each day only seems to grow more necessary in my life as the years slip by. Perhaps I see my need for Him more clearly. Maybe I sense the urgency of the hour and a stronger charge to pray. Regardless, the wild swirling of the world quiets when I seek Him. But what else does the Bible say about spiritual rest?

There are some basic do’s and do nots of spiritual rest.

Verse	Do	Do Not
Psalm 37:7	Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him.	Fret because of the wicked.
Psalm 131	Quiet your soul, hope in the Lord.	Grow haughty or concern oneself with matters too great.
Jeremiah 6:16	Choose the way of righteousness.	Refuse to listen to listen to the instruction of the wise.
Hebrews 4:3	Believe and receive rest.
Isaiah 30:15	In repentance and rest, you will be yasha (liberated), in quietness and trust, you will find strength.	Harden your heart.

 

 

Why Seek Spiritual Rest in Jesus?

I mentioned weariness at the beginning of this post. Hopefully, I am not the only one spiritually weathered by demands, ministry, circumstance, and culture.

Oh, dear one—look at the bounty and blessing fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, an hour or more ushers into our lives. 
Do you long for a calmed spirit? A quiet soul? Strength and liberation? He is able, willing, and ready to give more 
than we ask or imagine. We merely need to “seek the ancient paths”. (Jeremiah 6:16)

Do you long for a calmed spirit? A quiet soul? Strength and liberation? He is able, willing, and ready to give more than we ask or imagine. #spiritualrest Share on X

A Prayer for Spiritual Rest

Father,

You know I desire freedom. Freedom from the pushing and pulling of demands, schedules, and pressures. Worry, anxiety, and stress. The heaviness of it all greets me in the morning and follows me to be, Lord. Show me how to release these burdens into your capable hands. Teach me to “quiet my soul…like a weaned child with his mother” (Psalm 131:2 NKJV) I praise you, Jesus, that you promise to give me rest. Transform me more each day that I might “learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:30 MSG)

In the powerful name of Christ the Savior,

Amen

 

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