Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
MATTHEW 11:28-30
WE ALL GET TIRED AND NEED REST
Are you drained, overworked and fatigued? Tattered or exhausted? Are you timeworn and utterly burned out? Has religion just depleted your service?
Jesus is saying, "Come to me. Get away and alone with me so that you'll regain strength and revive your life. I will teach you how to take a genuine rest."
Jesus desires us to walk quietly with him! He says, "Work with me -- watch how I do it. Learn the chosen rhythms of compassion and grace. I won't cast anything burdensome or distressing upon you. Keep company alongside me and you will understand how to live freely and simply."
THE APOSTLES WERE TIRED
In Mark 6 we read how the apostles had come to Jesus and announced to him all that they had accomplished and taught. Jesus said to them, "Come off by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little rest."
There had been continuous coming and goings and the apostles hadn't even had time to eat. So they got into the boat with Jesus and went off to a remote community by themselves. However, someone saw them going and the word got around.
THE PEOPLE STILL PURSUED THEM
From the neighboring towns crowds went out on foot, running, and showed up ahead of them. When Jesus arrived he saw this enormous crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke--like sheep with no shepherd they were, he went straight to work teaching them.
When the disciples thought this had gone on long enough -- and it was now rather late in the day, they interrupted: "We are a long way out in the country, and it's awfully late. Pronounce a benediction and send these folks off so they can get some supper..."
WEARY AND EXHAUSTED
It was quite obvious-- they were fatigued and drained! It's not unjust to get timeworn by this rapidly paced world we live in. But, it is necessary to step aside, and get the rest we require. It's important to refuel in the presence of Jesus!
TIME FOR REST
Take A Break from all the chaos of life and devote some time
alone with Jesus, today! It is here YOU will find Peace, Strength, and Hope as you master the art of "Resting in Him!"
The following are some things I do to just take a break:
-- I will relax by playing my piano
-- I like to turn on some calming praise music, or Christian classical music for relaxation.
-- I like to get on my bicycle if I am physically able and just
take a relaxing ride.
-- I often just sit down and spend time Reading my favorite Psalms in my Bible!
-- I will often remind myself that it is okay to just take the
day off from my regular routine and do PRECISELY NOTHING AT ALL!
You will have to unearth what relaxes YOU!
WHEN MY STRENGTH IS RENEWED
-- I Recite this special "Warrior's Prayer" because I am a "Prayer Warrior" and there is always a battle I am fighting for myself and those who are recorded in my Prayer Book!
I've listed it for you to use if you feel the need!
MY WARRIOR'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Your Warrior is preparing for battle once again. Today I claim victory over Satan by putting on the
Whole Armor of God!
I put on the Girdle of Truth!
May I stand firm in the truth of your Word
so I will not be a victim of Satan’s lies!
I put on the Breastplate of Righteousness!
May it guard my heart from evil so I will
remain pure and Holy, protected under the
blood of Jesus Christ.
I put on the Shoes of Peace!
May I stand firm in the good news of the
gospel so your peace will shine through me
and be a light to all I encounter.
I take the Shield of Faith!
May I be ready for Satan’s fiery darts of doubt,
denial and deceit, so I will not be vulnerable to
spiritual defeat.
I put on the Helmet of Salvation!
May I keep my mind focused on you so Satan will
not have a stronghold on my thoughts.
I take the Sword of the Spirit!
May the two-edged sword of Your Word be ready
in my hands so I can expose the tempting words of Satan.
By Faith Your Warrior has put on the Whole Armor of God!
I am prepared to live this day in Spiritual Victory! Amen.
BELOW: Christian Music to Relax or Renew Your Strength!
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