A Reflective
Devotional
Jesus promises to give us rest. But rest from what?
In this pressurized, gotta-have-it world, we often miss the repose God wants for us materially, emotionally, and spiritually. Let’s look at each of these dimensions.
Materially, our society centers on acquiring more and more possessions. This can easily become a merry-go-round that never stops, making us dizzy with envy, worry, and greed. The apostle Paul learned to rest from this. In Philippians 4:11, he writes, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
For your devotional time, read Philippians 4:4-20. What one thing can you do to move toward a more content attitude? It may be deciding you don’t really need another pair of shoes, choosing to fix dinner at home rather than eating out, or planning a simple vacation rather than that dream cruise.
Pray that God will help you as you seek contentment. Thank him for the provisions he’s made for you materially.
Since 9/11, fear has taken on a new significance. We worry about sons and daughters in Iraq, predators on the Internet, and job layoffs. Jesus came to free us from fear and give us emotional rest. The Psalmist declares, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)
Read Psalm 118. What fear or worry is uppermost in your mind right now?
Tell the Lord about this fear and ask him to give you rest.
Our Christian walk sometimes resembles a competitive race. We worry we may not have the right shoes or be using the right running techniques. We judge ourselves by how long we study the Bible each day, how many church activities we participate in, and how many prayer meetings we attend. We expand God’s ten commandments into 25 or 700, when Jesus reduced them to two: Love God and love your neighbor. The prophet Micah declared in Micah 6:8, “He has showed you, O man, who is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Read Micah 6. What have you added to Micah’s list of act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly?
Ask God to give you rest from the burden of following self-imposed rules rather than seeking his camaraderie.
As a part of your quiet time today, spend a few minutes enjoying the out-of-doors or just sit quietly. Seek the companionable silence of God rather than rattling off today’s shopping list of needs, wants, and worries.