Rest - Part 2
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."Matthew 11:28
(Continued from last post...)
- Self - We want a perfect body in perfect health and shape. Pride always
tries to creep into the driver's seat of our lives.
- Work - Too much time and stress at work.
- Debt - Our debt load as a society if at incredible levels. How many are
living paycheck to paycheck and are on the brink of major financial trouble.
Because of the debt load we have to work longer hours to keep afloat.
- Relationship troubles - First and foremost we need a close, real, personal
relationship with Jesus and need to keep that a vital, passionate part of our
life. If that relationship is not close we will feel unrest. Next is our
relationship with other important people in our lives-wife, children, friends.
Likewise, if those are not close and nurturing we will feel the results.
My list is certainly not exhaustive, and I do not want it to be. I only
wanted to point out some of the obvious problems that I see-in myself and
others.
What is the solution?
- Pour out your soul to Jesus. Spend time in honest, soul searching prayer.
Remember the example of Hannah, mother of Samuel, in the first chapter of 1
Samuel. She was praying so hard emotionally that Eli thought she was drunk, but
she was pouring out her heart to the Lord. We need to pray like that.
- Keep your focus on Jesus. Remember the story of Peter in Matthew chapter 14
when he went to walk on the water. He actually was walking on the water until he
"saw the wind and was afraid". What did he do? He took his eyes off Jesus and
began to sink. We need to continually refocus on Jesus. We need to "fix our eyes
on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
- Give your time to Jesus. One hour is only 4% of the day. Our pastor likes to
tell us that love is spelled T-I-M-E and is an action verb. If you love Jesus
spend time with Him.
- Quiet time alone with Jesus. Jesus often went off to be alone with His
Father and we need to follow His example. Elijah found God's voice as a "gentle
whisper", not in the wind, earth quake or fire (1 Kings 19). "Be still and know
that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).
I hope these musings on rest and sharing my thoughts will help keep you close
to Jesus this season.
Mike McMahon
"Our heart is restless until it rests in you." - St.
Augustine
Prayer Power
Lord help us to rest in your arms. We pray for peace in Sudan and other
countries where there is conflict. Thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus.
Amen.