Where You Can Find Rest
By some miracle, I woke up easily and full of rest Sunday morning-time change Sunday! I was sitting on the couch thinking through the day, asking God what He had for me that morning as I prepared to be in Seneca for worship. I think what helped was my excitement to be at their campus-it had been a long time, and I love getting to see the team and people who are there week to week! Furthermore, I try-especially on Sunday mornings-to ask God what I am supposed to say or do that day and for Him to show me clearly what I may have missed this week that He is trying to show me. A few moments later, my husband woke up, and I heard our dog, Scout, head down the stairs. I knew she was coming to say hello. Finding Rest At The Start Of The Day This is her rhythm if I’m the first one out of bed. She doesn’t want to go outside or grab a drink first, but she immediately comes and lays eyes on me. I say good morning and scratch her ears. Then she trots over to her bed nearby and snuggles in until the house is a little more active. She desires to be seen by me, given a little affection, and then she can rest. Matthew 11: 28 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” I think this moment with Scout is a glimpse into what God is inviting us to. In her mind, she needs to see me and come to me before she can go back to rest-even though we were literally in the same room all night and had only been apart for maybe 15 minutes. For her, nothing else matters or needs to happen first. What if we trust that these words are true today? What if we come to our Savior for rest-for restoration? The next verse (still Jesus’ words) says, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Not only does Jesus invite us to come, but He also offers to show us how to do this—to let Him come alongside us (take my yoke) in our struggle, our heartache, our pain, and our frustration and allow Him to teach us a better way. With humility and gentleness. And find rest for our souls. I wish it came as easily for me as it does for Scout, but thankfully, God is patient with my stubbornness, and gently God reminds us of His goodness-even in our pets! We wrapped up the Joy Challenge with a message on Joy, Despite Worry. I pray you find rest for your souls as you bring your worry to the Lord. He is waiting patiently for you to come to Him! You can go back and watch The Joy Challenge messages and dive deeper with the discussion guides and videos.
Be Strong Even When It’s Hard
Have you ever noticed that anything that really matters in life is not easy? Parenting, marriage, relationships…they all take work. There are peaks and valleys and it’s not easy. The fact is, following Jesus can be hard. Our culture is not focused on Jesus even though that is something that really matters. I was recently at an event for Heart for Africa where a man said these words: When we follow Jesus, we don’t do so to make our lives easier. We follow Jesus and he leads us to make our lives matter! The Bible is a great place to find encouragement, especially during those hard times. I love the encouragement we receive from the writer in 1 Corinthians 15: So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58 New Living Translation) Now let’s break that verse down so you can apply it to your everyday life: Be STRONG (even when it’s hard) Be IMMOVABLE (don’t move off from what you know is God’s Will) ALWAYS work enthusiastically (your life, your work matters) It’s USEFUL (not useless) when we live our lives for God. Feeling a little down and need a pick me up? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days. Know that God is calling you to make an important step for Him? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days Feeling like you don’t measure up or that God can’t use you? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days. Immerse yourself in that verse for the next 30 days…every day. See what happens and let me know. You matter to God and He wants to encourage you. Your life matters because of Jesus and His love for you and His leadership in you. Be strong and immovable.