Rest

The topic of rest has come to me time and again over the last few years so I suspect God is trying to make a point to me which He then "suggests" I should share in order to encourage another. Interesting how He works like that, right?

After IF Gathering, the IF community is invited to read the Word together through IF Equip (ifequip.com). We are now reading through the book of Hebrews. The author may be unknown but the message is clear. The redeemed, by faith, are privileged to enter their spiritual inheritance and enjoy His "rest" (Mt 11:28). The writer warns against a hard heart (Hebrews 3:7-19). When we refuse Christ Words (disobedience) and are ignorant of His ways (unbelief) our hearts become hard and we miss His amazing blessing. When we "rest" in His Word our hearts can remain "softened". Those who are "walking it out" (living by faith) and not neglecting the Word (Hebrews 2:1-4) will find rest in Him then our hearts can remain soft, sensitive to Him. In this extremely fast paced, heavily distracted, more often unbalanced world it is more important than ever we cling to the One who sustains (Psalm 3:5) and does not rest.

God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's the Creator of all we can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired......but those who wait upon God get fresh strength....they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind (Isaiah 40:28-29, 31 msg). Are you waiting in stillness? In rest?

May we admit to our need for rest....our need for Christ Jesus our Saviour and Lord...

Father God, I pray that we will sleep peacefully when we lay down (Psalm 3:5; Proverbs 3:24) and You would be pouring Your strength and wisdom and grace upon each of us as we rest in sleep and rest in Your Word..that we would be refreshed and ready for each new day resting in the knowledge that You will fight for us and we only need to be still (Exodus 14:14). Thank you Jesus.