So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. Hebrews 4:9-10 (NLT)
For Reflection:
Sabbath. Rest. Those two words evoke a feeling of calm when I hear them together. Commentaries say that this verse is pointing us toward the future eternal rest that we will experience when Jesus returns. But I know that scripture reminds us that there is rest and peace for us in the here and now, as a foretaste of that time to come.
It’s easy to fall into a habit of rushing through our days, wearing ourselves out needlessly. I was in a grocery store recently. It was one of those days when I had a lot of people visiting, and I was probably in a bit of a hurry. I got to the deli counter and there was a long, slow line ahead of me. I made a friendly ”oh, well” comment about the wait to the person in line behind me. But instead of complaining, she surprised me with her response. “I don’t mind at all,” she said. “It‘s so nice to have a little break in my busy morning.” Her simple comment helped me to slow down and actually enjoy the waiting.
In his book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry”, John Mark Comer writes, “There’s more to life than an increase in speed. Life is right under our noses, waiting to be enjoyed.” And he continues, “Love, joy, and peace are at the heart of all Jesus is trying to grow in the soil of your life. And all three are incompatible with hurry.”
When we slow down and pay attention to God’s presence and gifts all around us each day, we can take part in the rest He has for us. This often goes against the pace of life all around us, but it frees us to connect with God in deeper ways.
Let us pray:
Dear Jesus, help me to slow down, to keep my focus on You and what You have for me in the moment. Forgive me for being too busy sometimes, so that I miss your good plans. Thank You for Your amazing patience, always drawing me back to Your peace and presence. Amen.
I wonder, how many times do we miss God’s presence by simply being in a hurry?
How many times might we miss connections with people who need to see Jesus in us?
How might God be inviting me into more rest with Him today?