Simply Rest
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Insight
In Matthew 11, Jesus tells us “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” A simple statement that I have over complicated by thinking it requires more than just being.
When I think about the lessons that Jesus teaches us in scripture, He always simplifies what we complicate. Love, forgiveness, rest.
Us: “How do I love my neighbor?”
Jesus: “Like you love yourself.” (Mark 12:31)
Us: “How do I become forgiven?”
Jesus: “Forgive others.” (Matt 6:14-15)
Us: “How do I receive rest?”
Jesus: “Come to me.” (Matt 11:28)
Since the idea behind it is so simple, we think it’s not enough. We think it’s not enough for us to just show up and rest, but really, that’s all He asks of us. I love that when Jesus gives us this answer of receiving rest, He is the actual answer. He doesn’t say, “You’re going to this place and do this task,” instead He says, “You’re going to come here and be with me.”
How beautiful is it that we get to simply be with our God? More than that, He’s given us the opportunity to accept His spirit into our hearts so that we never have to go a breath without Him. We get to simply sit and talk and think and breathe with Him. He extends to us what we crave most in this busy world, simple and true rest. When the world says, “Go,” Jesus says, “Come.”
The beautiful thing about rest is that it looks different for all of us. We are invited into this personal relationship with God, so we are also invited into personal rest with him. Sometimes this could be prayer and journaling, or it may be folding laundry, taking a walk through the neighborhood, or even fishing.
There is no direct answer to achieving rest other than Jesus being present. This is by no achievement of ours, it is an undeserved gift that we get to accept and enjoy.
Don’t over complicate the moments that have the potential for being restful. If rest requires us to go to Him and His spirit dwells in us, maybe remembering His name is the rest you need for today.
Reflection
What does rest look like for you?
What are some moments or tasks that you can sit in and be with Jesus, but have overlooked the potential for rest there?
How do you feel knowing that rest is just simply being with God? Thankful? Honored? Loved? Seen?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for this day that holds so much potential for rest: being with You, sitting with You, listening to You, walking with You. Help us see that all our hearts truly want is You. Help us see that rest is more than a minute of fresh air by ourselves. It’s the moments where we remember that we have access to the one true living God. Help us to rest, not for the sake of catching a break, but for getting to be with You. Help us to know You more. We pray all these things in Your precious and Holy name, Amen.
Port City writer Sam Slezak wrote today’s devotional.
