Are You Craving Rest This Summer?

LISTEN TO EPISODE 34 HERE.

Today, we’re overjoyed to invite you a conversation about resting this summer!

Maybe you’re finding yourself saying something like, “yeah, rest would be really good for me. I should probably have a game plan,” or saying, “How can I possibly rest with all that I have on my plate right now this summer?”

Or maybe you’re coming into this summertime season panting, looking around desperately for a cold glass of water and a bench because you’ve just been through period of hustle or a marathon of motion and energy. No matter why you’re here or how you’re arriving at this conversation, we’re excited to dive into this conversation about rest with you.

Let's start with a great first question to ask ourselves: “what is my soul, body, mind, or heart craving right now, at this moment in my life?”

We know where rest truly comes from and who has modeled it for us. God showed us in the seventh day of creation that resting from work was a part of the plan from the beginning – even before sin entered into the picture. So we know that rest is a Kingdom value. Rest is wired into the very fibers of creation.

But we also see Jesus resting in His time on earth. Jesus, in His perfect personhood, rested. He also said things like, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30)

The “yoke” of the animal was used when the ox was working, tilling the land or pulling a cart. It also meant doing that work alongside another animal – you are “yoked together.” So when Jesus prompts us to take His yoke upon us he, is inviting us to find rest.

Whatever this summer may look like for you, remember that we find rest in God for our souls. Take his yoke upon you this summer and you will find rest for your souls.  

Promises From God to Rest In

• “I will not fail you or abandon you. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:5,9,NLT
• “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)

• “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 ESV)

• “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:14-16 ESV)
•  Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

• “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

• “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
  

• “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)

• “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

• The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

• "The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love" (Psalm 147:11)

• “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)

Different Kinds of Rest

Let’s talk for a minute about our bodies. For some, you may have a lot of traveling ahead of you this summer and for you to have the stamina to enjoy it ALL, you may need to be mindful to sneak in some greens and fruit along the way. This happens to me when I travel. By the time I get home I am just craving some fresh, homemade food. If you’re in this boat, how can you think ahead and plan to aid your body this summer?

We also need rest for our minds. What is your mind craving? What is it curious about that could be life-giving and rejuvenating for you to think on, meditate on, and chew on?

To end, we could probably break this whole conversation into a question: “What do you need to add or take away from your life in order to enter into rest this summer?” You may need to ask yourself “rest from what?” Is it saying no to additional commitments? Things that are good, but not what God has for you right now?

These are important questions to ponder as we consider how God might be inviting us to rest this summer.