Your Daily Devotional for August 12, 2007

 

August 12,  2007

 

 

Obtaining Rest

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

 

Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

Over the past few days we have learned that God desires for us to take time each week to rest. We must spend time each Sunday in His church renewing our spirit and growing closer to Him. We can often be worn out by the hectic schedule of life, but we can be renewed each week by being in God's house on Sunday.

 

Many times it is not our failure to be faithful to church or to resting on Sunday that is wearing us out. Sometimes an unsettled spirit can cause unrest in our lives. When we are bitter at someone or are holding a grudge, that anger can deplete us of energy even if we are at church.

 

In order to obtain rest, we must forgive those who have wronged us. Matthew 18:21-22 shows us Christ's thoughts on forgiveness: "Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." While the disciples thought there was a limit to forgiveness, God showed them that we should forgive someone as many times as they offend us. We should forgive them, not because they deserve it, but because God has forgiven us.

 

The following was found written on a piece of paper in the clothing of a child who had died at Ravensbruck concentration camp: "O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us: Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering, our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness." This child understood the true forgiveness that only God can give. We must make sure our hearts are free from any bitterness or anger as we seek to obtain rest.

 

We must also free our hearts from any worry that might have come into our lives. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." We see in this verse that God commands us not to fear! Sometimes we can be physically resting from the busyness of the week but not be getting rest.

 

The devil often brings worries and doubts into our lives to prevent us from resting in Christ. He knows that when we rest, we renew our spirit in the Lord and gain strength to continue serving Him. The devil uses overtime, worry, and other things to distract us from coming to Him each week and resting. We must purpose to clear our minds of any worry that would prevent us from resting and from renewing our spirit each Sunday.

 

Are you truly resting each week? Are you taking time to put aside the worries and cares of this world and focus on God? Also, is there bitterness or anger in your heart that is preventing you from renewing your spirit each week? We must come before God with hearts that are free from anything that would hinder Him from speaking to us. Ask God now to help you renew your spirit and energy this Sunday. Make sure your heart is free from any bitterness or worry as you prepare to rest in Him.

 

 

Daily Bible Reading

Psalm 84-86 • Romans 12

 

 

 

 

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