And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. (Gen 2:2-3 ESV)
I could easily talk about our need for a Sabbath—a day of rest, but, today, I’d like to reflect on the type of rest that can come only from God. Well, actually, two types of rest. First, there’s the kind of rest referred to in Psalm 116:7 “Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.” Here, “rest” refers to a resting-place - a place of calm and quietness. How do we get there? This verse makes it clear … by remembering that “the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.” If we remember this fundamental truth, we can find rest even in the midst of trial. We can “rest” in the fact that God cares and will carry us though.
The second kind of rest is found in Matthew 11:28-30:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mat 11:28-30 ESV)
Perhaps the distinction flows from differences between Hebrew and Greek thought and language, but the idea here is a bit different. The word used for “rest” is not merely the cessation of activity, but includes the idea of being refreshed or revived. If we’re taking Christ’s yoke upon us, it hardly means to stop working. Rather, it means that we keep working with Christ along-side of us. If we are laboring on our own, we’re sure to get weary. However, if we labor in Christ’s strength and with Him by our side, we will find the refreshment that only He can give.
Brother or sister, are you weary? Lean on Christ, and you will find the blessing of “rest” even as you press on in your service for Him!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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