Dear Friends!
Have you ever been asked, “How are you?” and the only honest answer you could give was “tired” or maybe even “exhausted”? If so, you are not alone.
It seems like a lot of people these days are just tired — physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted. But today I’m writing to you with good news that comes straight from the Word of God! With God’s help, you can learn how to experience true rest.
I’m not talking about taking a nap or sleeping in on a Saturday. (Those things are great, but they’re temporary.) I’m talking about a rest for your soul.
In Matthew 11:28–29, Jesus tells us: “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.”
Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “I will give you rest for your bodies.” He said, “rest for your souls.” We certainly need physical rest, but you can rest physically without ever resting your soul. Your soul is your mind, will, and emotions. It’s your inner life.
And your mind also needs rest from worrying about how to take care of yourself . . . your emotions need rest from being upset all the time . . . your will needs rest from stubbornness. Jesus is telling us that He has that deeper rest for us — a rest for our mind, will and emotions — a rest for our souls.
And when you learn how to live at rest in your inner life, it brings rest to your body too.
I used to be worried, uneasy, and frustrated all the time. It kept me emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. (Have you been there before?) But I’m so thankful that God has taught me how to live in rest over the years. He’s used Dave’s example as part of the process. You see, Dave never seems to get flustered by anything. He’s almost always calm, almost always at rest. It used to bother me, actually. Why aren’t you upset about this, too? But Dave has two scriptures he quotes regularly to me and to everybody else
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”
1 Peter 5:7
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him . . .”
Romans 8:28
If you talk to Dave about a problem, you’re probably going to hear one (or both) of those verses.
“My car isn’t running right.” 1 Peter 5:7 and Romans 8:28
“My coworker is talking about me behind my back.” 1 Peter 5:7 and Romans 8:28
“How am I going to pay this unexpected bill?” 1 Peter 5:7 and Romans 8:28
“The doctor wants to run more tests.” 1 Peter 5:7 and Romans 8:28
It’s how Dave obeys Jesus’ instruction to “come to Me” when we’re weary and burdened. I love this perspective. It’s about trusting God, no matter what problems (big or small) we face in our dayto- day lives.
As I’ve studied God’s Word about trusting Him and living in rest, it’s really changed how I approach every situation. And I know it can do the same for you!
I’ll give you a simple example. When I’m writing a book, I’ll take a break sometimes to go get a coffee from my favourite coffee shop one town over. One day, I’d been writing for a couple of hours and needed a break. I thought it’s time to go get a coffee! I was really looking forward to it! So I got in the car and made the 20-minute drive . . . all the while thinking about how good that coffee was going to be.
When I got there, the barista asked, “Do you want your usual?” I enthusiastically said, “Yes, please!” And that’s when it happened . . . After a few minutes, she came back and said, “Joyce, I forgot to tell you the machine is broken.” Now, in the past, that would have ruined my afternoon. A little thing like that could have stolen my peace. They should have more than one machine! I came all the way here just for this coffee! This isn’t fair! (Isn’t it funny how even little things can steal our peace?)
But because I’ve learned how to have rest in my inner life, I calmly said, “Okay. Bless you. I’ll see you next time.” I share that example because it’s not just the big things that steal our peace and leave us feeling frustrated, angry, or tired. Many people let the little things keep them upset, too.
If you’re facing a situation today — big or small — that has you feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, I want you to know that God has something better in store for you. You don’t have to go through life physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted. You can live in rest, enjoying the abundant, joy-filled life Jesus came to give you.
My prayer is that the next time someone asks you, “How are you today?” you’ll be able to tell them, “I’m energised, content, full of peace, and at rest!”
As soon as you notice that a situation is disturbing your inner peace or is frustrating you, react immediately: Stop and say the two “anchor verses”: Actively counter the restlessness with God’s Word, as Dave does: I cast all my worries on Him, for He cares for me. (1 Peter 5:7) and I know that God leads all things to good, because I love Him. (Romans 8:28)
