Rest Area

“So says Jehovah, Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths where the good way is, and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16

“Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls.” Matthew 11:29

During my prayer time tonight God brought the word REST to mind. At first I got real excited since I am still not sleeping well and thought I might be headed for a great slumber session tonight. After I heard God chuckle ( I tend to make that happen a lot) I started to think about family vacations. After 29 years of vacations and other trips, I realized that we have visited a whole bunch of rest areas along the way. Some we had to look for or ask directions for (we get lost almost every trip we take) and some we passed on because we were in a hurry.

There were choices involved in every opportunity to stop…

In Jeremiah, the word for rest is margôa (mar-go’-ah) which means a resting place. In Matthew the word is anapausis (an-ap'-ow-sis) which means an intermission or refreshment. Both the Hebrew and Greek words speak of a personal involvement in choosing to rest.

Everyday the Lord gives opportunity for rest…

Who knows the ancient paths, the good way, better than Jesus? I believe rest comes from the journey with Him because we are WITH Him! May I encourage you to take a walk in His rest…to journey a bit closer to His heart. His yoke is much easier on the back than anything you’re carrying now.
                                                                                       

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
till they find their rest in you;
so lead us by your Spirit
that in this life we may live to your glory
and in the life to come enjoy you for ever;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
who is alive with with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God now and for ever.
Amen.
- St Augustine

 

LiveJournal Tags: Rest area,Jesus,journey