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Topic: Rest (06/14/04)
TITLE: REST By Donna Kazenske 06/27/04 |
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In today's fast paced society, people seem to stay 'too busy' to really enjoy everyday life as God purposed. Many parents spend little or no time with their children. The children usually receive a quick kiss on the cheek from each parent in the morning and off they go into the wild blue yonder.
It now seems very unusual for a family to actually sit down at the table together to discuss the issues of the day and enjoy precious times of fellowship over a home cooked meal. Family members seem to be going their own way, doing their own thing. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are eaten on the run instead of with the family.
Why are so many people facing 'burnout' in our nation? Why do so many individuals have ulcers and digestive problems? I believe it's because we are burning the candle on both ends, not taking care of our bodies and not getting the appropriate amount of rest.
My definition of rest:
R - Relax - sit down with your family, watch a good clean movie, read a good book or go to the lake and sit by the water. Learn how to 'unwind'.
E - Enjoy - Enjoy your life. Spend quality time with your family. Enjoy time in the word of God and prayer. Learn how to enjoy the little things in this life.
S - Slow down - Slow down your pace. You don't have to get everything done today. Take some time to stop and smell the roses.
T - Trust - Trust the Lord to work all things together for good in your life. Trust Him with your finances, your family, your loved ones, etc.
Stop striving for the things that you don't have and learn to enjoy the things that you do have.
Take one day at a time. Give each day to the Lord and ask Him to direct your path.
Don't take on too much at once.
Learn how to say 'no'. It's okay. If you are already stretched to the max, then don't take on another project. Don't be a martyr. Just say, "No."
Hebrews 4:1-2 - Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.
We must learn how to walk in the 'rest' of God. He promised this rest to those who believe. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you need to learn how to receive and embrace this promise by faith, leaving all doubt and unbelief behind.
Hebrews 4:9-10 - There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.
I believe that many of you reading this article today are striving instead of resting in God. Stop striving and begin to walk in faith believing that your life is in the hands of Almighty God. He will take care of everything that concerns you. He is an awesome God, full of tender mercies and loving compassion for His own.
I pray that you will find the rest that God has promised to you and to your household. May you walk in His rest all the days of your life.
Donna Kazenske
[email protected]
http://surewordministries.net