Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Getting Rest

God rested on the 7th day so how important is rest? 

God Designed Rest From Labor

Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
Exodus 20:8-10 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates…”
Exodus 23:12 (KJV) Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. 

According to God's word we need rest.  We need to be refreshed.  

The pace of our world has gone from a walk, to a job and now a 24 hour 7 day a week sprint.  During these times we lose focus on the things God wants for us.  We get anxious and can't find peace.  So many things can distract us and keep us from truly being refreshed.

God Provides Rest From Trouble

Psalms 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Psalms 55:6 And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove!  I would fly away and be at rest 
Isaiah 14:3-4 When the LORD has given you rest from your pain and turmoil and the hard service with which you were made to serve, you will take up this taunt against the king of Babylon: ”How the oppressor has ceased, the insolent fury ceased!

God Promises Rest & Peace from Anxiety

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?
2 Corinthians 2:13-14 my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia. But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 
Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 11:28-29 “…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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

The scriptures were found on http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verses-about-rest-20-important-scriptures/

So please take a serious look at this because we need to rest our minds, bodies, and spirits.  God never meant for us to be so stressed out and busy.  He wants us to rest.

No comments: