Rest is such a nice word. Who doesn’t want to rest? Even though it is a well liked word it is not always an easily accessible task. This is exactly what this devotional is about; how can we achieve rest?

The definition of rest is to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. In a world full of nonstop motion and to do lists, how does one cease from work or movement? Rest can look different for each individual. How to rest, refresh or recover is based upon your preferences. But one way we all can find true rest is in the presence of God. 

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

Rest comes when your mind is at peace and you can shut down your brain for a while. The only true way I have ever been able to do this is with the Holy Spirit. Ways I enter into His rest are worship and prayer. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Even Jesus rested and told his disciples to rest. 

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:30-31 

Do not let anybody tell you that rest is not important. We live in a very task motivated society. How much can you do? How long can you last? How hard can you work? Do not let that worldly thinking rob you from the rest you need to refresh and restore yourself. If Jesus needed rest, so do the rest of us!

If you are born again and have accepted Jesus into your life, we have the very thing the world is looking for. We have the comforter living on the inside of us. We have the ability to access unexplainable peace in moments of complete chaos and He gives it freely to those who ask. 

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

No one wants to be like the demon in Luke 11:24, “When a demon is cast out of a person, it goes to wander in a waterless realm, searching for rest. But finding no place to rest, it says, ‘I will go back and reoccupy the body I left.’” Wandering around searching for rest, unable to find it. Jesus is the answer to real true rest. Rest that will refresh your soul and strengthen your body. 

The question at the beginning: How can we achieve rest? The answer is and will always be, Jesus Christ. 

If you haven’t made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life pray this prayer:

Dear God,

I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Posted 01/01/2023