Adapted from: How to Receive Rest by Dr. Sam Holm
Finding Rest in a Busy World
In today's fast-paced society, many of us feel overwhelmed by the constant demands of work, family, and personal commitments. The idea of finding true rest seems elusive, yet it is a gift that Jesus offers to each of us. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus extends a profound invitation: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This rest is not merely physical but a deep, soul-refreshing peace.
Discovering Rest Through Jesus
The core message of our recent sermon was both simple and transformative: Jesus invites us to find rest in Him. This rest is not a one-time event but a daily practice involving three key actions: coming to Jesus, learning from Him, and living in His way.
1. Come to Jesus Daily
Jesus calls us to come to Him every day. This involves setting aside time to be with Him, to pray, and to listen. Prioritizing a relationship with Jesus means starting your day with a conversation with Him, sharing your burdens, and receiving His peace. It’s about making time for the One who loves you deeply and wants to give you rest.
2. Learn from Jesus
Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble, inviting us to learn from Him. This involves spending time in the Bible, reflecting on His words, and allowing them to guide your life. The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, offering wisdom and comfort. As you read, ask yourself, "What is Jesus teaching me today?" By immersing yourself in Scripture, you can find the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges.
3. Put on Jesus’ Yoke
A yoke is a tool that helps two animals work together more effectively. Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him, to walk in His way of life. This means living and loving like Jesus, following His example of compassion and grace. Aligning your life with His teachings allows you to find freedom and rest in His guidance. It’s about letting Jesus lead and trusting in His path for your life.
Avoiding Distractions
In our busy lives, distractions are everywhere. Whether it's your phone buzzing with notifications or a never-ending to-do list, these distractions can pull you away from the rest Jesus offers. Consider taking a digital fast, setting aside time to disconnect from technology and reconnect with God. By reducing distractions, you can increase your devotion and find true rest.
Statistics show that 91% of adults in the United States are never more than an arm's length away from their phones, even during sleep. This constant connection can lead to a distracted and restless life. A digital fast can help you break free from this cycle, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your relationship with Jesus.
Practical Steps to Finding Rest
Here are some practical steps to help you find rest in Jesus:
- Set a Daily Time for Prayer and Reflection: Choose a specific time each day to meet with Jesus. This could be in the morning before your day begins or in the evening as you wind down. Make this time a priority, free from distractions.
- Engage with Scripture: Use a Bible reading plan to guide your study. Reflect on the passages you read, and consider how they apply to your life. Write down your thoughts and prayers in a journal to help you process and remember what you learn.
- Join a Community: Connect with others who are also seeking to live and love like Jesus. This could be a small group, a Bible study, or a discipleship group. Sharing your journey with others provides support and encouragement.
- Practice Obedience and Simplicity: Align your actions with Jesus' teachings. Simplify your life by focusing on what truly matters and removing unnecessary distractions. This might involve setting boundaries with technology or reevaluating your commitments.
Conclusion
The invitation is clear: Jesus wants to give you rest. But it requires action on your part. What will you do this week to come to Jesus, learn from Him, and live in His way? Without taking these steps, you might miss out on the peace and rest He offers. So, take a moment today to prioritize your time with Jesus and experience the rest your soul longs for.
By embracing these practices, you can find the rest and peace that Jesus promises. In a world that never stops, let His presence be your refuge and strength.
Discovering Rest Through Jesus
The core message of our recent sermon was both simple and transformative: Jesus invites us to find rest in Him. This rest is not a one-time event but a daily practice involving three key actions: coming to Jesus, learning from Him, and living in His way.
1. Come to Jesus Daily
Jesus calls us to come to Him every day. This involves setting aside time to be with Him, to pray, and to listen. Prioritizing a relationship with Jesus means starting your day with a conversation with Him, sharing your burdens, and receiving His peace. It’s about making time for the One who loves you deeply and wants to give you rest.
2. Learn from Jesus
Jesus describes Himself as gentle and humble, inviting us to learn from Him. This involves spending time in the Bible, reflecting on His words, and allowing them to guide your life. The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, offering wisdom and comfort. As you read, ask yourself, "What is Jesus teaching me today?" By immersing yourself in Scripture, you can find the guidance and strength needed to navigate life's challenges.
3. Put on Jesus’ Yoke
A yoke is a tool that helps two animals work together more effectively. Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him, to walk in His way of life. This means living and loving like Jesus, following His example of compassion and grace. Aligning your life with His teachings allows you to find freedom and rest in His guidance. It’s about letting Jesus lead and trusting in His path for your life.
Avoiding Distractions
In our busy lives, distractions are everywhere. Whether it's your phone buzzing with notifications or a never-ending to-do list, these distractions can pull you away from the rest Jesus offers. Consider taking a digital fast, setting aside time to disconnect from technology and reconnect with God. By reducing distractions, you can increase your devotion and find true rest.
Statistics show that 91% of adults in the United States are never more than an arm's length away from their phones, even during sleep. This constant connection can lead to a distracted and restless life. A digital fast can help you break free from this cycle, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your relationship with Jesus.
Practical Steps to Finding Rest
Here are some practical steps to help you find rest in Jesus:
- Set a Daily Time for Prayer and Reflection: Choose a specific time each day to meet with Jesus. This could be in the morning before your day begins or in the evening as you wind down. Make this time a priority, free from distractions.
- Engage with Scripture: Use a Bible reading plan to guide your study. Reflect on the passages you read, and consider how they apply to your life. Write down your thoughts and prayers in a journal to help you process and remember what you learn.
- Join a Community: Connect with others who are also seeking to live and love like Jesus. This could be a small group, a Bible study, or a discipleship group. Sharing your journey with others provides support and encouragement.
- Practice Obedience and Simplicity: Align your actions with Jesus' teachings. Simplify your life by focusing on what truly matters and removing unnecessary distractions. This might involve setting boundaries with technology or reevaluating your commitments.
Conclusion
The invitation is clear: Jesus wants to give you rest. But it requires action on your part. What will you do this week to come to Jesus, learn from Him, and live in His way? Without taking these steps, you might miss out on the peace and rest He offers. So, take a moment today to prioritize your time with Jesus and experience the rest your soul longs for.
By embracing these practices, you can find the rest and peace that Jesus promises. In a world that never stops, let His presence be your refuge and strength.
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