Finding Spiritual Whitespace: Rest leads to refreshment

I started reading this wonderful book this week called "Finding Spiritual Whitespace" by Bonnie Gray.   It has spurred some thoughts about rest in my mind.  Often times in this crazy and busy world we see resting as a weakness however God doesn't see it that way.  Rest in God helps us grow in Him and nourish our relationship.  

God even rested.  

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2 (emphasis mine)

And He commands us to rest: 

"Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work; so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed." Exodus 23:12 (emphasis mine)

Many of us do not have oxen, donkeys, slaves or foreigners living in our household but it could be related to our current things: cars, computers, cell phones, or paid laborers.  Even our electronics need rest from overuse or overheating but why don't we treat ourselves with rest? 

Then Jesus came and taught even more about rest:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, 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.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30 (emphasis mine)

What an awesome promise.  When we give our burdens to Jesus, we no longer have to shoulder them alone, He will help us! When new oxen are learning how to wear a yoke for plowing and work, it is yoked to another more experienced ox.  Isn't that what Jesus is calling us to do?  We are new in experiencing life and He is seasoned.  When we are yoked to Him, He guides us and shares the weight.  Then the best news, unlike the oxen who will be released from the other, HE NEVER SAYS HE WILL LEAVE US!!  

When we are yoked to Jesus, He will give us rest.  Only when we are with Him will we find rest.  Isn't that convicting.  Often times we feel as if we have to earn rest.  That's not what Jesus is telling us: He will give it to us!  

So how restless is your soul?  I challenge you this week to take time (it doesn't have to be much) to rest in the presence of our Savior.  Read some scripture and let the Holy Spirit guide you to rest in the words and promises.  I bet you find some refreshment! 

With Love,

~A

p.s.  I will be uncovering more truths that I am learning from this book so stay turned!  Also you can win the book through GoodReads! Then lastly if you want to learn more head over to Spiritual Whitespace!