Carina Francke

Scripture: Psalm 62:1, 5: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."

Yesterday we discussed how our busy schedules prevent us from really connecting with people (and God). The program of Jesus' disciples, on the other hand, were filled with people. They were sent out to minister to people by preaching, casting out demons, anointing sick people and healing them. Not all people showed them hospitality and sometimes they probably had to sleep in the open veld. And then there was the matter of people that did not want to listen to them. Not a picnic I would guess!

No wonder then that Jesus invited them to rest when they returned, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." (Mark 6:31). Take note, it is a rest of “getting to a quiet place”, away from being busy, a rest in His presence.

You see, Jesus understood that work - any work - is tiresome and that rest is necessary to regain strength. He was, after all, part of the proclamation of a day of rest at the creation.  How is it then that we do not take this to heart?

We rest physically when we lie down, also when we get away, but we rest in our inner being when we become aware of His presence with us.  Then our laughter, our playing together with loved ones, a cup of coffee or the facinated staring at a sunset becomes more than mere rest. It becomes an enjoyment of the gift of life; a rest close to His heart.

You and I also have to learn how to rest in Christ. He extended an open invitation to all of us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30).

In this verse Jesus speaks about the rest of one's inner being, that part that stands in relationship with Him. This relationship does away with all performance and works that focuses on ME and shifts the focus to what and how He does things for and through me.

Engrave this on your heart: "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him."

Prayer: Father thank you that you are the Creator of rest - rest from my physical work but especially the rest of my soul. Amen.