Entering God's Rest

     I finally get it!
     It is a little embarrassing that it took so long, but I think I understand the concept of "resting" in God and the gift of God's Sabbath rest.
     Resting on a Sunday or during a week of vacation is not primarily about what you do or do not do as an activity. It is not about whether my neighbors catch me cutting my grass on a Sunday or whether I pick up my laptop to check emails while on vacation. Fasting from these work-related activities may be a discipline the Spirit invites us to cultivate. More important is our attitudes of trust (or mis-trust) toward God.
     To truly rest in God is to trust that God will take care of our fields when we are not tending our crops or sewing new seeds. It also means trusting in God as we go about our work week! It is quite possible to refrain from physical exertion on Sunday afternoons and yet our hearts remain far from a restful state. On the other hand, it is also possible to be hard at work and yet to have a peaceful and restful attitude, a mindset that trusts God is active in our lives and providing all that we need.
     In short, we can cultivate an attitude of resting in God whether our bodies/minds are actively at work or whether we are taking a nap on the couch. Resting in God is more about trusting that God is at work with or without any effort from us.
     Coming to this realization is freeing.
     What about you? Are you weary and carrying a heavy burden? Could you benefit from finding an inner place of rest? Rest in Jesus, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. Let him pull the weight for you, as you walk beside.