Jesus gave the very best solution for rest. Do you know it? Do you follow it?

As our REST series finishes today, let’s zoom in to the one best solution for rest, spoken by Jesus himself. (Here are the other REST posts: post 5, post 4, post 3, post 2, post 1.)

Come.

One word. One simple word followed by a string of comfort.

“Come. . .”

where?

“to me, all you who are weary and burdened. . .”

why?

“and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11: 28,29 ).

When you come for rest, you come by way of Jesus.

No Worries

Come to the One who knows best, who loves you unashamedly, who holds your heart in his nail-scarred hands, get comfy, and rest. No fretting. No whining. No worries. In place of negativity, you experience love.

God knows life throws rocks, even boulders, at you. Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).

The New King James version uses a word in place of “trouble”: tribulation. And this brings me to a story, unfunny then, now I snicker.

Even in Life’s Troubles

Years ago a dear person and I worked out at the gym,  sweating, grunting, trying to get in great physical shape, and an innuendo slammed me sideways.

I was going through the tough stuff of revisiting childhood pain, and this dear one intimated that true Christians ought to handle their problems better than I handled mine if a truly were a Christian.

That got me.

All growls and teeth, I snarled, “The Bible says that in this world you will have tribulation. And. I. Am. TRIBULATING.”

Trials and tribulations stress every person on the planet. If this were not so, why would the apostle James write: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (1:2-4)

Trials lead to a faith test, which in turn produces perseverance and spiritual maturity, as long as our hearts are soft to God’s will. This process of spiritual growth, though painful at times, is the reason for pure joy.

This joy, this pure joy, as you and I stand with Jesus in life’s storms — coming to him with every hurt, every question, every fear — proves my rest, for I’ve obeyed him and given all my burdens, all of me to him.

All Alone?

If I try to handle my pain without Jesus, I’ll feel any one or more of these emotions: anger, sadness, despair, frustration, fear, even numbness. Out of these negative emotions flow my behavior.

At the gym, I chose anger and irritability. I could have chosen a different emotion like sadness. Then I’d feel lethargic and frown and sigh “woe is me.”

All is better with Jesus. My circumstance and pain would be the same but I’d feel hope. Resting in him is the safest place on earth.

Brennan Manning puts in this way in The Rabbi’s Heartbeat:

“To feel safe is to stop living in my head and sink down into my heart and feel liked and accepted. . .

not having to hide anymore and distract myself with books, television, movies, ice cream, shallow conversation. . .

staying in the present moment and not escaping into the past or projecting into the future, alert and attentive to the now. . .

feeling relaxed and not nervous or jittery. . .

calm, unafraid, no anxiety about what’s going to happen next. . .loved and valued.”

By coming and resting, my jitters flutter, my sadness lifts, my anger subsides. Yes, life’s trials and tribulations grab hold of our collars and shake us. Jesus’ words soothe like balm. His invitation to “come” bring calm and refreshment.

Your REST Challenge:

Your challenge, my sister in Christ:

Write on your calendar “Come-to-Jesus Day” on your calendar and set aside the day, even a half day, with Jesus. This is your very own personal retreat. Bring a Bible, paper and a pen. During your personal retreat, read scripture, pray, be quiet, and listen. You will hear him. He has a wonderful word for you. So. . .

come

and

rest.

Did you see the other posts in my 6-week REST series?

The 30-Second Secret to Rest (post 5)

How Money Interferes with Rest (post 4)

7 Ways to Add Room to Breathe (post 3)

Add Margin to Your Life (post 2)

Does God Help Those Who Help Themselves (post 1)

Question: Which REST post spoke to your heart? Please leave a comment and encourage other women like you.

With Joy Overflowing?