I felt this would be a good word, since I missed my WFTD yesterday, and I’m just getting this out this afternoon.  So right off the bat, you know I’m right there with you all when I say that we have to battle daily against those things that keep us from the Lord and His work.

This battle against business begins anew each morning.  Each of us is beaten down by sin, the world, and all the temptations that are thrown at us each day.  Jesus offers us comfort in Himself in Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Many people ask the question – “What is the meaning of life?”  They spend their entire lives trying to answer that question with work, family, sports, fame – whatever place they look though, all of their efforts are in vain.  Some people work so hard their entired lives seeking out joy, they cannot fathom that true peace and joy isn’t found in themselves, but in knowing the One who created all things.  The meaning of life is God.  To see Him, to know Him, and enjoy Him now and forever.  Jesus was telling these weary people that everything they’ve been looking for could be found in Him.  Not only that, but He was going to help them, and in doing so, people would find rest for their souls.

Here is a question to answer individually – Do you see time spent with God as a burden, or as a time of renewal and refreshment?  Does your heart delight in the good news of the gospel that everything necessary for your greatest good, reconciliation to God Himself and eternal life, has been accomplished already by Jesus?  Can you take rest in seeing the revealed goodness and faithfulness of God in His Word, and then know that that is the God who loves you, and is right there with you no matter what you’re going through?  This is the very peace and rest that Jesus offers, and we all so desperately need.

My exhortation today, even as I myself struggle among the many commitments and concerns surrounding me, is to root the truth of God’s sufficiency for rest in our hearts.  TV cannot give me rest for my soul, golf cannot give rest to my soul, food cannot give rest to my soul, a husband/wife cannot give rest to my soul… All of those things can be good and gifts of God, but they were never meant to give the rest that flows from God alone.  Secondly, even as I root that truth of God into my heart, be intentional about spending time with Him.  We plan for 100 different things a day, but are we as intentional about seeking the Lord in His Word as we are about our career?  Financial Planning?  Watching the newest TV series?  My challenge is to begin today making a plan of when that time will be – not as an end unto itself, but as a dedicated time to renew ourselves in God, that the rest of our time will be fruitful and restful.

Grace and Peace,
Adam