Newness of Life in Reassuring Rest.

   Though contrary to much of the world's fast-paced thought, the importance of rest should not be underestimated. I, for one, am prone to take an occasional nap.  Well, maybe more than occasional, but I almost always wake refreshed and ready to tackle another project on my ever increasing to-do list.  Naps aside, rest has always been part of the formula of our purpose.  We get that example in Sabbath rest, rest for our soul, and rest from pressure and stresses and anxiousness of everyday life.  As we walk in newness of life, rest plays an important role in perseverance and encouragement of ourselves and others.
  Though sometimes inexplicably thought of as a suggestion instead of one of the Ten Commandments, Sabbath rest is truly to be taken seriously by us.

  "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."- Exodus 20:8
  "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.  Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."- Exodus 20:11

  We do well to remember that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was made for man, to give margin and rest and a most productive life.  So, at least one day per week is vital to us - to be an unhurried and most restful time spent, preferably in conjunction to drawing near to God with a heart of gratitude.
  Rest for our soul comes as we let God be Who He is, Sovereign and Faithful, and let Him lead us in this life we are experiencing.  It is beneficial to look to the familiar passage of Scripture in  Psalm 23 to be strengthened by the LORD.

  "He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul."- Psalm 23:2-3a

  God refreshes His people with His quiet voice and the soothing effect  and calmness of the still waters of His presence.  It is a psalm of trust that grows unshakable as we draw nearer to Him and rely upon Him.  If we never take the time to be with Him in reading His Word and in communication with Him in prayer, we find only restlessness and joylessness.
  As we walk in newness of life and remember that Christ was raised by God's power, we should also know the reassurance that whatever the world or the enemy of our soul throws at us can be handled by Him if we lay these burdens in His care.
  "In coming to Him, we have the promise of rest for our souls.  Jesus promises us meaning, hope, assurance, peace, and even joy in the times of inevitable trouble.  He takes us as we are and bathes us in His love." - Dick Johnson

  "Come to me , all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

  This verse is in context of the Jews suffering under a load of religious responsibilities.  Sometimes we carry the heavy knapsack of responsibility at work and home too. But whatever burdens pile upon us, we can know rest from our Faithful God and the welcome relief He brings. He even asks us to cast our burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). Trust Him and rest by the still waters a while.  And as we face any unchartered waters ahead, we should look to the reassurances of Christ. His promises are unfailing.

A prayer:
Father, you conceal the final explanation of the mysteries of life in Yourself. For this I trust You. You are sovereign, faithful, and true. For this I will rest in You. No matter what evil comes my way, I am safe in You. For this I find joy in You.  Being who You are, everything will ultimately be all right, because You will be glorified. So, please be honored on the platform of this life I know. In Jesus'name, Amen.