Come to Jesus and Surrender All
In a world that’s collectively exhausted, weary, burdened, anxious, and unsettled, is it even possible to find rest for your soul? That’s what Jesus offers, but how can we experience it? Is your high-tech, always on, perpetually distracted real world self capable of being at rest? How do we we experience soul-deep rest when the world is a mess and there’s always too much to do? Let’s talk about how to find rest in Jesus—spiritual rest in a restless world.
Here’s the answer right up front. Rest = surrender to Jesus. That sounds pretty churchy. How exactly do we surrender? What does it look like practically to be surrendered? Do we just stop doing everything?
I’d like to share what the Lord has been showing me about this topic of rest, specifically focusing on the famous passage in Matthew 11.
Come to me, all who are weary and 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.
Matthew 11:28-30
Christians Should Be the Most Restful People
I began thinking about the idea of rest in November, during a season which may very well be the least restful for moms in America—what we call THE HOLIDAYS. Between the gift-giving, stocking-stuffing, baking, decorating, crafting, serving, maintaining traditions and embracing the latest trends, it does not feel like a holiday to moms.
It was during this season that God prompted my heart to consider that as Christians, we should be the most restful people on the planet. And I was convicted that I needed a little heart work in this area.
I’m not by nature a restful person. I’m a Type-A, checklist-driven, unpack-before-I-sit-down kind of person. This is not an area of life that I’ve mastered. So this is not me pointing a finger at you to say you should be doing a better job at rest. I’m listening to God speak to me about the lack of restfulness in my spirit and looking to scripture to see what He says about how to experience the rest he wants to give me.
Download your free devotional guide to resting in Jesus from my resource library
How’s Your Resting Heart Rate?
In 2019, a Harvard Business School professor wrote a book called Time Smart, and found that more than 80% of Americans said they never had enough time to do what they needed to do. That sounds very familiar, but not very restful.
But being busy is not the only way we aren’t at rest. Let’s do a little check-in with ourselves. What are some signs that you are not at rest?
Are you often…
- Anxious
- Irritable
- Angry
- Impatient
- Worried
- Fearful
- Distracted
- Envious
- Dissatisfied
- Discontent
- Unhappy
- Wanting more/different than what you have
- Comparing yourself to others
What Jesus Says About Rest
Let’s look at those verses in Matthew again. These are Jesus’ words.
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.
Matthew 11:28-29
You may read those words and think…I came to Jesus, I’m a Christian…where’s my easy-yoked, light-burdened, restful life?
Like many promises in scripture that sound amazing to us—fullness of joy, renewed strength, peace that surpasses understanding—we can only experience those things in the context of relationship with God. That’s because God is the source of those things we long for. Joy, peace, and rest.
There are three things Jesus asks of those who desire rest. They’re bolded in the verses so you can easily identify them.
- come to me
- take my yoke upon you
- learn from me
Jesus surely wants to give us rest but he’s not going to force it on us. He gently asks us to surrender, knowing that it is the only way for us to experience the rest he has for us.
The Rest Sundae
Maybe a visual can help us think about how we are able to receive the rest Jesus offers.
Our immersion in scripture, giving priority to spending time in God’s word, is essential. The bowl holding the ice cream represents scripture. All the things we’re going to talk about regarding coming to Jesus, taking his yoke, and learning from him require allowing the truth of scripture to permeate our minds.
Psalm 1 tells us, “blessed is the one who meditates on God’s law day and night.”
Then we have our three scoops of ice cream: come to me, take my yoke, and learn from me. We’ll talk about those later.
Then topping off, covering, sinking down into every nook and cranny is the chocolate sauce on our sundae. That’s prayer. I’m convinced that prayer is key to a restful life.
Throughout the gospels, we see many occasions of Jesus retreating from the crowds to rest.
[Mark 1:35, Luke 5:15-56, Luke 6:12-13, Matthew 14:23, Mark 6:46, and many more.]
Jesus’ public ministry lasted approximately three years. Most of us, if we knew we had the power to change the world and only three years to do it, would go hard for that three years. We’d probably embrace a “there’s no napping in ministry” mindset! Yet Jesus regularly took time away to rest from what we would see as ministry opportunities, and most often, that rest included and prioritized prayer.
If Jesus felt that prayer-led times of rest were important, how much more do we need that?
Without prayer, we’re still just trying to DO things on our own.
Requirements of Rest
I don’t want you to read those words and get the wrong idea. This is not a “works” requirement. But there are prerequisites to experiencing the deep rest Jesus offers.
Rest in Jesus requires…
COMING TO JESUS
— recognition of God’s sovereignty —
— realizing that I am not God —
— repentance of sin —
TAKING THE YOKE OF JESUS
— relinquishment of control —
— remembering God’s love for us —
— reconciliation to uncertainty and hardship —
LEARNING FROM JESUS
— resistance to the world —
— release of expectations —
— responding in gratitude —
All of these, taken together, describe a surrendered life.
For we died to this life and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3
Come to Jesus
The first thing Jesus asks of us is to come to him. We come to him initially for salvation, but we return to these baseline truths again and again.
Recognition of God’s Sovereignty
The first way we surrender is asserting our belief that God is who he says he is and that Jesus is God. We accept that our circumstances are divinely ordained.
We can rest because God is all-powerful.
His ways are highest than our ways.
From beginning to end, his reign is secure.
Song suggestion: In Christ Alone
From life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny.
This is a good place to start when our unrest comes from fear of the future or being consumed with what-if scenarios.
Scriptures to turn to when you experience unrest and need to remind yourself of God’s sovereignty:
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” Isaiah 44:6
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it.” Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles?'” Isaiah 45:7-9
I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2
In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10
All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:3-4
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3
Realizing That I Am Not God
The second way we surrender when we come to Jesus is closely related to recognizing God’s sovereignty. It is giving up my natural but erroneous inclination to believe that I know what is best for me and realizing that I am not God.
We can rest because God is good.
His plans are for our good.
The outcomes don’t depend on our efforts.
Song suggestion: Blessed Assurance
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
This is a good place to start when you’re trying to manipulate a situation to produce a specific outcome.
Scriptures to turn to when you experience unrest and need to remind yourself that you are not God:
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21
Submit to God and you will have peace; then things will go well for you. Job 22:21
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Repentance of Sin
The biggest obstacle to our rest is sin. Turning to anything besides Jesus for true soul rest will never provide what we’re looking for.
Jesus’ work on the cross releases us from slavery to sin and frees us to rest in his finished work, accepting his forgiveness and offering it to others.
We can rest because our repentance and confession of Jesus Christ promises peace with God and eternal life.
The future is sure.
We are free indeed.
Song suggestion: Before the Throne of God Above
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
This is a good place to start when you’re experiencing unrest because you’re justifying sin instead of confessing it.
Scriptures to turn to when you experience unrest and need to repent:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. Daniel 9:9
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Matthew 3:8
Take the Yoke of Jesus
The second thing Jesus asks in the passage is for us to take his yoke.
If you don’t know what a yoke is, picture two oxen connected by a wooden beam across their necks. The yoke is intended to allow the farmer to direct the animals and unite their efforts to work together.
Relinquishment of Control
All will eventually bow the knee to Jesus, but in this life, God gives us the free will to choose. We can fight for control, or daily yield and allow him to direct our efforts and carry what we cannot carry on our own.
We can rest because our good and sovereign God cares for us.
He knows what we need.
He accomplishes more than we could ask or imagine.
Song suggestion: I Surrender All
All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust him, in his presence daily live.
This is a good place to start when you’re overwhelmed and trying to “do it all.” It looks like allowing God to interrupt and reorder your life.
Scripture to turn to when you feel unrest and need to relinquish control:
Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Matthew 6:8
Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of—infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20 (TLB – paraphrase)
In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. Psalm 10:4
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Remembering God’s Love for Us
As we seek to surrender our heart to Jesus and take his yoke, we need to remember the depth of God’s love and acceptance of us based on Christ’s work.
Whatever we’re striving for is worthless compared to the love of God for his redeemed children. We need not fear, compare, outwork, or overcompensate.
We can rest because our identity is in Christ.
No strivings required.
His love is wider, deeper, longer, higher.
Song suggestion: How Deep the Father’s Love
How deep the father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only Son
To make a wretch his treasure
This is a good place to start when your unrest looks like insecurity or uncertainty about your self-worth.
Scripture to turn to when you need to be reminded of God’s great love for you:
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with al the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. but we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:1-2
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
What then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
Reconciliation to Suffering in This Life
The third way we take the yoke of Jesus is in our reconciliation to and acceptance of uncertainty, hardship, and suffering in this life.
We will not experience the full and complete rest of of Jesus until we see him face to face.
We can rest because this world is not our home.
Jesus has overcome sin and death.
We do not lose heart.
Song suggestion: Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed be your name when I’m found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness…blessed be your name
This way of surrender might be the place to start when you’re struggling with why God is allowing “bad” things to happen.
Scripture to turn to when we feel unrest because we are suffering:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4
I have told you these things, so that in me you may heave peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Learn From Jesus
The third thing Jesus asks of us is to learn from him. We surrender to Jesus when we seek to follow in his steps no matter what it costs.
Resistance to the World
We experience the rest of Jesus when we stand against evil in our culture and set aside distractions to deepen our relationship with him.
We can rest because we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us.
His power supplies all we need.
We shine as lights in the world.
Song suggestion: Only Jesus
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
This is a good place to start when you’re following the status quo and wonder why you feel unsettled.
You may not feel at rest unless you act—speak up, defend, call out. Our ability to rest in Jesus may require action.
Scripture to turn to when we need to remind ourselves of how we are to be set apart and shine brightly in a dark and restless world:
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. 1 Corinthians 3:19
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Colossians 3:10
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5
Release of Expectations
Another way we surrender and learn from Jesus is by releasing expectations.
The kingdom of God is one in which the first is last, the weak are made strong, the proud are humbled, and the King of Kings willingly takes the place of a servant. It’s been described as an upside-down kingdom. We know from scripture that man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.
We can rest because we were created exactly the way God intended.
We are placed in history in the exact moment God intends.
Our weakness creates opportunity to display God’s power.
Song suggestion: Just a Closer Walk with Thee
I am weak but Thou art strong,
Jesus, keep me from all wrong,
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.
This can be a good place to start if we’re dealing with unrest because of trying to impress others, comparing ourselves or feeling less than.
Scripture to turn to when we need to be reminded of our need to surrender our expectations and stand on God’s truth:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. 2 John 1:6
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29
Respond in Gratitude
The final way we surrender and learn from Jesus is by responding in gratitude for his redemptive work in our lives.
Our continued recognition of and refleciton on the transforming power of Jesus results in a posture of awe and gratitude.
We can rest because God is at work in us.
Our hearts are changed.
We give thanks.
Song suggestion: I Stand Amazed
How marvelous, how wonderful
And my song will ever be
How marvelous, how wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me
This way of surrender is where we need to end up. We may not feel thankful for every thing that happens to us, but action can produce feeling, and in this case giving thanks leads to rest.
Although we think of praise and thanksgiving when we think of the Psalms, at least 30% of that book are psalms of lament. And yet, most of these laments turn to praise at some point in the psalm. The writer redirects his thoughts to remind himself of God’s goodness, love, and tender care.
Psalm 42:11 says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Scripture to turn to when we need to remind ourselves to give thanks or to ask God to give us a heart of gratitude:
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
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. Ezekiel 36:26-27
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Psalm 71:8
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it lal in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Using Surrender to Find Rest
We can be in a restful state while we’re operating at full capacity.
We can have a heart of turmoil while we’re relaxing on a beach sipping an umbrella drink.
We can have soul deep rest in the middle of trials.
Or we can feel restless as we endlessly scroll our entertainment options.
How does restlessness or unrest show up in your life?
- decision making
- general anxiety
- worry over specific problems
- fear of the future
- fear of what people think
- fear of missing out
- insecurity
- overwhelm
- guilt
- irritability
- unforgiveness
Which of the requirements for rest speaks to that issue?
- recognition of God’s sovereignty
- realizing I am not God
- repentance of sin
- relinquishment of control
- remembering God’s love
- reconciliation to suffering
- resistance to the world
- release of expectations
- responding in gratitude
Turn to scripture that speaks to whatever way you are not fully surrendered and ask God to use his spirit to speak truth to your mind and heart.
Your unrest may be a result of past trauma. God is with you in your pain.
Your unrest may look like trying to maintain a facade if you have a platform of influence. God cares about your heart, not about your performance.
Your unrest may play out as feeling less than as you look around at a culture that values the highlight reels.
God asks only for our faithfulness. We don’t know if what he requires of us will be big or small in our eyes, or the eyes of the world, but in his eyes, every faithful step taken in surrender to the good works he has prepared for us to do is enough.
There’s no pressure to stand on a stage, be in charge, or make sure everyone knows we’re right. Rest in where you are right now. Seek to shine a spotlight on the amazing grace of Jesus with whoever is in your life right now. Every act of love, sacrifice, humility, joy, patience, self-control, is seen by God. Don’t discount your offering of faithful worship. Rest in doing the next right thing and doing it all for the glory of God. Come to Jesus in surrender. The outcomes are up to him.
How Do We Live At Rest?
Earlier I stated that as Christians we should be the most restful people on the planet.
That doesn’t mean we won’t live busy lives or that we won’t feel any fear or anxiety. But consider your response to these two questions.
Does my busyness look different than the world’s?
Am I working joyfully?
Do I accept interruptions to my plans graciously, knowing they are part of God’s plan to sanctify me?
Do I express gratitude to God even during busy, chaotic seasons of life?
Am I relying on my own strength to accomplish what I determine is necessary or do I continually ask God to direct my actions, decisions, and energy?
Do I take any time to be still with the Lord? If not, how can I make time for that?
Does my response to fear and anxiety look different than the world’s?
Do I fret over troubles over which I have no control, or do I surrender those anxieties to God in prayer?
Am I in a perpetual state of worry over politics, culture, or the state of the world, or do I pray that God will use me to shine his light in the world?
Do I allow fear to consume my thoughts or do I remind my self of the truth of God’s word when I experience fearfulness?
Do I take any time to be still with the Lord? If not, how can I make time for that?
Rest Reflection Questions
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling… Isaiah 30:15
In what ways are you resisting the rest Jesus offers?
Are you not coming to Jesus?
Salvation is the first step, but are you fighting against submitting to his authority in some area? Do your actions display that you truly believe in the sovereign power and goodness of God? Are you justifying sin instead of confessing it?
Are you not taking the yoke of Jesus?
Not fully letting him direct your paths? Are you still trying to pull the strings, help God out when you think you know best? Are you working for Jesus in the hopes of winning his approval or acceptance?
Are you not learning from Jesus?
Are you more enamored with the comforts and pleasures available to you than with worshiping the one who died for you? Are you more concerned with what people think about you than with what God thinks? Is your heart more prone to complaint than to thanksgiving?
Prayer for Rest
Lord God, remind me of who you are, the almighty, all-powerful sovereign creator and sustainer of the universe. Show me how I can find rest in you today. Reveal to me any ways I am resisting surrender to your good and perfect will.
Thank you for your promise to never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for your spirit who works mightily in my weakness. Thank you for the opportunity you give me to participate in the good works you have purposed for me to do.
Protect me from being influenced by lies and half-truths. Remind me of your finished work—by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—that makes possible the rest I long for. Keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and open to see wonderful things in your word as I live moment by moment for your eternal glory.
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