Provided Rest

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

“Come to Me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ERV)

“Come to Me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, CEB)

God is faithful to provide rest, though it does not always come in ways that we might imagine. In our household, my husband’s back went out a few days before my winter break was to begin. This meant a mandatory two weeks off for him, as he needed to rest and recover. For me, I would have typically filled the days with activities and outings yet had to get a few things done and then simply take some time to rest and recover. Yesterday was my love’s first day back to work and he was eager and ready to go. He returned at the end of the day in a good space, as clearly the time he had off provided the rest he needed. It was also my first day back to coaching, as inclement weather prevented us from practicing last Friday. Although I was willing and ready to go, I am certain that the extra day to rest and recover was a very good thing. Our two dogs are good at helping us rest as well, for anytime a seat is taken on the couch in the living room, a velcro dog is quick to come claim the lap of the seated. Their comfort, cuddles, and sweet snoring, cause the lap owner to sit longer than they otherwise might have intended. These may seem like happenstance, but I believe God uses our circumstances to provide what we need most. This break, the heavy loads were laid down and rest is being found. May we all embrace the grace that God grants us and receive the rest that He provides.

The Lord is faithful,

In love, He provides;

The rest we’re needing,

As we choose abide.

Often true rest comes,

In unforeseen ways;

Our circumstances,

Bring us restful days.

Set down your burdens,

And give the Lord praise;

For rest He provides,

In unforeseen ways.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You see and know our needs and You are faithful to provide what we need most. Thank You that You utilize our circumstances to demonstrate Your overwhelming love. Forgive us for our frustration and angst with circumstances we cannot control, and help us to wait expectantly on You, as You supply us with the strength and rest we need most. Help us to look for the good that You provide in and through all things. Show us how to love those around us in ways that extend rest and refreshment. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the unexpected ways that You bring us real rest. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. – Matthew 11:29

Provided Rest

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, HCSB)

“Come to Me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ERV)

“Come to Me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ICB)

Sometimes, life can be exhausting. Weariness can come out of nowhere, and we simply need to slow down and rest. God is faithful to provide opportunities, if only we look to Him. After the great blessing of being able to go on vacation, we were exhausted from our return trip home. Our day had begun in its typical early fashion, followed by a day filled with preparing to head home, wandering around to pass the time prior to departure, and then the long journey home. Our first flight took off in the late afternoon, followed by a nearly two-hour layover, and then onto our red-eye flight home. No measurable sleep was had on the flight, and we arrived home to discover two puppies who were desperate for our attention. Though there was an attempt to nap after feeding and spending time with the pups, there was no sleep to be had for me. The day continued with the typical back home busy, and there was no thought nor opportunity for sleep until bedtime. Fast-forward to this morning, and I had slept nearly nine hours through the night! When I woke, I felt rested and refreshed, and ready for all that the day holds. God is good, and He is faithful to provide rest as we seek and listen to Him.

When tired, weary,

Or simply worn out;

God provides us rest,

Love’s what He’s about.

With goodness and grace,

The Lord makes a way;

Strength and endurance,

He supplies each day.

Blessings abundant,

Even when plans change;

His love apparent,

As it shall remain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us and provide rest when we are weary. Thank You that even when rest comes in unconventional ways, You have a plan to bless, rest and refresh us. Forgive us for our frustrations when things don’t go as we might have anticipated. Teach us to trust that You have all in Your hands, and You love us more than we could hope or imagine. Show us how to love those around us as You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your love that supplies the strength and rest we need to navigate our days well. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

The Lord God is our Protector and glorious King. He blesses us with kindness and honor. The Lord freely gives every good thing to those who do what is right. – Psalm 84:11

Rest from the Heaviness

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

“Come to Me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, ERV)

“Come to Me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” – (Matthew 11:28, CEB)

 

It is good to work hard and complete the tasks that lie before us, yet there comes a point when we have to listen to our bodies and choose to slow down and rest. God provides the time and space necessary for us to rest, if we only choose to do so, and He grants us help and hope and relief when all seems too much to slow down. Often the thing that keeps us from resting is a busy mind. When the day is done and we actually lie down to rest, our mind continues to plan, prepare, and ponder ways to accomplish the long list that is yet to be done, further removing the rest that is so desperately needed. Thankfully, true to His word, when we turn our attention to Him, rather than what needs to be done, peace comes and rest enters in. May we ever seek the Lord in our times of weariness, for He is the perfect Provider of the rest our bodies and minds require.

 

Jesus is calling,

For He says to come;

All who are weary,

Seek the Holy One.

For He grants us rest,

And His perfect peace;

He loves us to life,

Grants heavy relief.

So, let us draw near,

To our God above;

As He grants us rest,

And fills with His love.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You in our weariness with our heavy burdens, and You will give us rest. Thank You that Your rest refreshes and provides relief so that we can press on in Your strength. Forgive us for not slowing down to rest, even though it is intended for us all. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would take time to rest and refresh in You, as You lighten our load and make our burdens bearable. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps shoulder the heavy loads and encourages rest as it is needed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You when we are weary and heavy burdened, knowing that You will grant us rest. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25