rest

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life..” 1 Thessalonians 4:11 NIV

True rest is found in knowing who you are in Christ.

Amidst all the clamor in the world telling us how to be better at work, social media, eating, and communicating. Stay ahead. Stay relevant. Try harder. Read this. Watch that. Do more. Give more, and well, change the world— life can be exhausting.

And the truth is, we simply cannot do it all.

But there is good news today, friend.  God sent His son, Jesus, to live a sinless life on behalf of human depravity that whoever puts their faith in Him may be reconciled to God. This doesn’t mean we won’t have our bad days or struggle with sin. It means sin no longer has power over us. We have been declared righteous, adopted into the family of God (Ro 8:15-17).

That means you’re not a failure! Even if you fail to complete everything on your to-do list. Even if you never start the big business, get married, or reach your financial goals. If your life consists of nothing but faithful, humble service to God—well done (Mt 25:23) . This is not your one life. This life is but a journey on the way to eternity.

Of course, Paul is not advising a life of idle inaction. Set goals, attend to your business and make good choices. But do it because you know who you are in Christ. You see, Paul let this truth become the foundation of how he lived and therefore, was content to glorify God in every situation  (Phil 4:12-13).

Rest from striving. Withdraw your soul from all that is visible and fix it on the life of Jesus, for his holy teachings are of more value than anything else. To rest in him is the greatest comfort to our souls—the highest form of trust.

“..set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” (1 Pe 1:13)  

centering prayer

LORD, help me rest in the peace and satisfaction found in you alone. amen.