rest

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NIV)

I spent many hours each day last week deeply working on the preparation that has to be done for the arts camp. It’s work that I love to do, but it’s work. Things are coming together, but there’s a lot left to do. Yesterday after church I asked two of the prayer ministers to pray over me and they prayed rest into me. I will take that. Last night I was watching an episode of “The Chosen” where Jesus calls to Simon Peter to walk on the water. In fact, he calls Simon to come to him so he can give him rest.

Then in my inbox yesterday was a promise God gave Moses.

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’  If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:12-14 NIV)

The call to rest – to relax, to trust, to surrender – is ever-present. Whether you are working on a project, making a decision, worrying about a prodigal, trying to make financial ends meet, struggling with health issues, or a million other things, hear God’s invitation to come to him. When you are weary. When you are burdened. When you are confused. When you are stressed. Come to the One who has all the answers, all the provision, all the healing, all the wisdom and knowledge, and all the Peace you need. When we seek him his Presence is with us and he gives us rest. Let us all remember the invitation to rest.

Jehovah Shalom,

You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Thank you for the callings and even challenges that you put into our lives. Forgive us when we do not come to you and release our weariness and burdens to you. Help us to trust you more deeply and surrender to your Goodness more fully. Be our strength and shield, even though the world around us or within us may be shaking and chaotic. May our spirits always hear your invitation to come to you when we are weary or burdened so that you can give us your deep rest and peace. Help us know Holy Spirit’s presence and your full rest, we ask in Jesus’s name, AMEN.

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3 NIV)