21 Jan W1 | What is Rest
REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Matthew 11:28-30 | “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.”
Mark 6:31 | Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
OBJECTIVE
To understand the importance of rest and that true rest can only be found in Jesus.
CONTENT
WHAT & WHY REST
- Rest means taking a break from your daily activities, a crucial part of how we are built that’s designed for us to maintain our health, wellbeing, and function. We need to rest both physically and mentally. Rest is an integral part of spiritual and physical vitality. It's important to recharge the mind and heart, and fruitful labor is the result of good rest.
- Rest is important because as we rest, we get to use our energy effectively and efficiently and also recalibrate our focus for keeping an optimum performance in our daily life.
- It may often be difficult to prioritize rest in our busy life, but research has shown that just like building your muscle needs appropriate resting time, our bodies and our minds need recovery to prevent exhaustion and even injury.
- Benefits of rest include: reducing stress, increasing cognitive function, enhancing mood, better sleep, reduced health risk condition, increased energy level, and mental sharpness and clarity.
TRUE REST CAN BE FOUND IN JESUS
- It is not enough to just have physical rest. The true rest is actually about resting your soul and it can only be found in Jesus.
- When we think of rest, we think of self care regimes and planning the ultimate vacation. True rest isn’t found in the trips, that may last for a while, but true lasting rest and peace of mind can only be found through having a relationship and filling our void with our creator.
- The world is a busy, bustling, and noisy space, and no matter how careful we are, we are always influenced by the worries and corruption of the world. This is why it is nearly impossible to find true rest from anything that the world can offer.
- True rest means your soul is satisfied and at peace regardless of the external and fluctuating circumstances. It stands firm even in the face of problems. Through the work of His Spirit in us, our minds are renewed and we can have an easy soul when we rest in Him.
- Matthew 11:28-30 understands that in this world we will have trouble and pressures. But through His resurrection, Jesus has overcome the world. For that reason we can have confidence that Jesus, who has won over death and everything, is able to take our yoke, share it with us, and make our burden light.
- While our salvation is secured once and for all, we need to continuously come back and recharge (rest) ourselves by coming back to Jesus to refill our souls, much like drawing water from the well. This is why He is called the living water. He’s an essential and integral part of our life. Not only He is able to satisfy our thirst, He also makes sure that we are alive, thriving, and abundant.
IT’S HIS INVITATION TO US
- Lucky for us, Mark 6:31 proves that God is more than willing to provide us with rest. That He has an open invitation for us to rest in Him.
- Jesus' words in Mark 6:31 demonstrate his understanding of his disciples' needs and his care for them. He recognizes that even the most dedicated servants need time to rejuvenate.
- God calls us to have a private, intimate fellowship with Him and is more than ready and available to be there with us. Rest is also a form of obedience and worship.
- The setting of this verse is also significant. This desolate and secluded location illustrates the need for quiet, uninterrupted rest and reflection. Jesus's directive to come apart to a desert place serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking out these quiet spaces with Him in our own busy lives.
- Through these moments of solitude and “separation” from the world, we are often able to draw closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose, and what truly matters.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How have you neglected your need for spiritual rest affected your performance in other areas of your daily life, for example: work, ministry, family?
- How has your understanding of the term rest changed over time? Personally describe an experience where you truly get to experience peace only through Jesus and not through other activities or relaxation methods?
- Discuss an action plan that you would like to implement so that this year you can get the spiritual rest that you need?
REFERENCES