A PLACE TO REST
In 2006, a store with an unconventional mission opened at Minnesota’s Mall of America. Creatively called MinneNAPolis, the business offered a refuge for shoppers to stop and sleep. Their website read, “Escape the pressures of the real world into the pleasures of an ideal one.” The company lasted only six months. I’m guessing the idea of paying $42 an hour to take a nap didn’t appeal to a lot of folks. Customers who “shop till they drop” could find dozens of places to grab a little shut-eye for free. Imagine awakening two hours later and discovering you’d run up an $84 tab.
Throughout scripture, the concept of rest is huge. In the Psalms, David often speaks of finding rest in God. “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (91:1). “Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you” (116:7). “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him” (62:1).
We need rest. Deep rest. Soul-penetrating rest. Gaze at the faces of those standing at crosswalks or stopped at traffic lights—or look in the mirror. Our countenances betray our hearts, which scream, “I’m weary, worn out, exhausted.” There’s a fatigue we carry, which runs much deeper than needing a few more ZZZs.
The world offers plenty of outlets where we can grab a little R & R—and most are good. Going out for a meal, the movies, or the mall can refresh us. Sometimes, we just need a break from pressure. But it’s short-lived. We leave our problems at the door, but as soon as we step outside, they’re waiting—leaping right back on our shoulders again.
That’s why Jesus’s offer in Matthew 11:28 is so appealing. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Much more than physical sleep, Jesus offers deep spiritual rest, restoring life to our inner being. It’s vital we stop each day and rest in Jesus’s presence. Recharge your batteries through prayer, the word, or simply soaking in his presence.
I love a good power nap. Snagging thirty minutes out of a busy day to snooze, energizes me to complete my tasks that lie ahead. Physical rest is vital. But only Jesus offers permanent rest for the soul—and he doesn’t charge seventy cents a minute.
Principle: We need the deep internal rest that only Jesus offers.
Ponder:
What spiritual practices provide you the most rest for your inner person?
How can you adjust your schedule to carve out more time to stop and rest in God’s presence?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 62.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the rest you provide. Please remind me of how vital this is to my existence. Prompt me throughout each day to slow down and rest in you.
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