In this fast paced world we live in, life hurries by in the fraction of a second, merely bypassing the scenery situated in the margins. And we miss most of it because we are not looking around to see what is there for our viewing.
It is good to be focused and to keep our eyes ahead, not always looking behind with regret as our master. Our backwards glance should be for learning and reviewing, but we scarcely have time for the reflecting..let alone the resting.
The concept of rest is not hard to understand, but it is certainly challenging to attain. It seems there is rarely time to slow down, with the abunance added to our calendars: projects to complete, appointments to keep, agendas to follow. All good, admirable, and necessary, but why are we running on empty and overwhelmed?
- What if you allowed yourself a Sabbath of the Soul, then would you really know His rest?
Rest is an opportunity for Restoration
His rest is an opportunity for God to restore us. He set the example for us in the beginning.. Genesis 2:2, but we forget.
The Sabbath is an intentional setting aside, to both rest and worship. Purposely meant for our soul to partake of the nourishment intended at the dawn of Creation. The GARDEN was the beginning of the Sabbath.
If God, the Creator, chooses to rest, wisdom dictates we should follow. The rest which is most beneficial is the one that recharges our soul; a Sabbath Rest found solely in the Presence of God.
When the soul is spent in the living,
seek the rest appointed for the Sabbath.
{How do we find this rest that recharges our intentional spending of self?}
It is found in the stillness as we enter into that place reserved for the Child of God. It is the place where we cry Abba, and He responds with the passionate embrace that is enough to lift up the dry parched places the living has exhausted. To enter this place of yielding means more than slowing down our schedules, friend. It truly means slowing down every aspect of our existing to make time for the life source that regenerates life.
The imperative action required: To Come
Matthew 11:28-30 give us some clear and detailed instruction on the concept of soul resting. I love how the amplified version reveals a deeper meaning to the term rest. Rest in this context means to have ease, relief and refreshment, recreation and blessed quiet. Yet it is clear that this type of life-source, the kind which causes blessed quiet to be spread up on our soul like a salve, is found only in His presence. This alone is the main requirement which feeds my soul and brings both restoration and relief.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. {I will ease, and relieve, and refresh your soul.}
Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is wholesome and useful and My burden is easy and light to be born.”
Sabbath Resting begins when we Come to that place where we lay our burdens upon the Lord and purposely pick up His. Please join me tomorrow as I journey to Sabbath Rest once more.
Blessings,
Linking up with:
Lyli at Thought Provoking Thursday
Carmen at Thriving Thursdays
Crystal at Serving Joyfully
I have such a HARD time resting! I really need to work on this. Or, should I say… NOT work on this!
I totally understand!Praying you will find a bit of rest as you start each day!
Blessings!
Dawn
So important. Thank you for sharing 🙂
“Seeking the rest appointed for the sabbath” – I read your post between deep breaths. Each word and accompanying scripture beautiful reminders of just how good sabbath is for me. Visiting today from The High Calling, we’re neighbors.
“The imperative action required: To Come”
Sabbath is rest, yes, but as you suggest here, it does require some action. I really enjoyed your piece here, and am delighted that you linked with our Sabbath-keeping series at The High Calling.
Helpful, soul-refreshing words here …
Thank you for your encouragement, Jennifer. I am blessed by your words. Praying you are filled with a peace that comes in the resting!
Blessings,
Dawn
too often I forget that Sabbath is for my blessing, not burden! Beautiful thoughts here. So glad you linked up to the High Calling this week.
Thank you Laura! I am so glad you were here. I am praying you will find the rest in the blessing of His Presence, no matter where you are.
Blessings,
Dawn
Awwh! A Sabbath of the soul. Is this really possible? My soul contiually stays stirred by so many needs & hurts that pour in from the ringing phone or literally on our doorstep. We are working on pullling away some but the cries are unhushed.
Great Insight Dawn! We are truly called to rest in His finished work and enjoy the glory of that. Too often many believers struggle with striving and straining to be more, prove more, and do more as they are totally oblivious to the freedom that comes when we rest in what He did, was, is, and proved. Thank you for this insight and thank you for connecting on Thriving Thursdays Link-up.