Strong spirits: rest
You need a rest. God wants to give it to you. Why not take him up on this?
Could you use a break from routine, from hustle/bustle, from all the stuff you need to get done? Who couldn't, right? Did you know that it is in God's plan for you that you have just such a break? Not just occasionally, but every single week? And it's not just a suggestion he makes. It's a command! Really? Really!
One of the 10 Commandments given by God to Moses way back in the day (Exodus 20) was for us to observe the sabbath day. Further instructions were also given, the point being this: we need to slow down; we need a break; we need to rest.
Jesus had much to say about sabbath, and at one point expanded on it this way: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and learn from me- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me, and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).
Having just taken such a day, may I say it was awesome! You need a rest. He wants to give it to you. Why not take him up on this?
Besides serving as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church, Gary Schwerin is the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.
