Relearning Rest

And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a quiet place and rest for a while” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. -- Matthew 6:31

All-consuming passion for God does not always equate to all-consuming passionate action.

Production does not always bring productivity.

Stillness does not mean stagnation, and activity does not always equal growth.

Reckless abandon does not mean uncalculated and unnaccountable personal abuse.

Rest differs from sleep, and one often excludes the other.

The surrendered soul does not lie down in defeat, but rather walks away from the busy highway of life directions and walks toward the quiet call of the Life Director.

“To every toiling, heavy-laden sinner, Jesus says, 'Come to me and rest.' But there are many toiling, heavy-laden believers, too. For them this same invitation is meant. Note well the words of Jesus, if you are heavy-laden with your service, and do not mistake it. It is not, 'Go, labor on,' as perhaps you imagine. On the contrary, it is stop, turn back, 'Come to me and rest.' Never, never did Christ send a heavy-laden one to work; never, never did He send a hungry one, a weary one, a sick or sorrowing one away on any service. For such the Bible only says, 'Come, come, come.'” - Hudson Taylor.

And ye, beneath life's crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!
- Edmund Sears, 1849