Three Ways to Find Rest that Lasts

Come to me, all you are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

– Matthew 11:28

Rest. 

What comes to mind when you read that word? 

For me, I think of a good night’s sleep, a lazy summer afternoon spent with my wife, or maybe the peace and quiet I get while deer hunting.

What’s the common denominator there? They all relate to physical rest. 

But, do you ever feel fully rested?

As we do the day-to-day and engage in our jobs, families, soccer practices, piano lessons, dance recitals, etc., we can find ourselves drained. While physical rest can render aid, it is temporary, and even getting enough of it does not always cure the longing for rest.

What if the rest we desire comes in our response to Christ?

  • What is spiritual rest? 
  • What does it look like?
  • What can we do to experience it regularly in our lives?

Here are 3 ways to experience spiritual rest:

# 1. Cast Your Cares Upon Him.

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you…” – Psalm 55:22

I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to try and fix things on my own. When this happens worry and stress abound. 

Why do we attempt to take care of everything on our own? We have our Heavenly Father who promises to take care of us. He wants to meet our needs. He wants to carry our burdens. 

A surrendered heart is a heart that knows peace and rest in Christ.

# 2. Be Content.

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I have all that I need.” – Psalm 23:1

In our American culture, we are constantly told we need more– more money, a bigger house, a nicer car, a larger tv, or the newest phone. In this time of “Keeping up with the Jones”, we must remain content in what God has given to us. He has promised to meet our every need. 

Let us be thankful for what He has done!

# 3. Believe.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

Jesus’ work on the cross was enough! We must trust in what He has done. His grace is sufficient for all the sin of mankind!

Think about this: The God of all creation knows you by name and loves you! 

May you find spiritual rest in the promises of God!

-Ben Brandon