Rest ........Is A Weapon

Last weekend I was privileged to join my fellow staff members for a retreat on the coast.
I love being on the water.
I have learned that this is my greatest source of inspiration and peace.
It inspires me, it pulls me into a place of rest, reflection and peace.


For years now I have had a saying that:

REST - IS A WEAPON


Psalm 116 says:
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

Living a lifestyle of worship requires us to choose to enter His rest daily. The challenge is finding rest in the midst of daily life, responsibilities and work.

Psalm 91 promises us that:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Isaiah says:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

The Definition of REST is:
–verb (used without object)

* to refresh oneself, as by sleeping, lying down, or relaxing.
* to relieve weariness by cessation of exertion or labor.
* to be at ease; have tranquility or peace.
* to repose in death.
* to be quiet or still.
* to cease from motion, come to rest; stop.
* to become or remain inactive.
* to stay as is or remain without further action or notice: to let a matter rest.
* to lie, sit, lean, or be set: His arm rested on the table.
* to be imposed as a burden or responsibility (usually fol. by on or upon).
* to rely (usually fol. by on or upon).
* to be based or founded (usually fol. by on or upon).
* to be found; belong; reside (often fol. by with): The blame rests with them.
* to be present; dwell; linger
* to be fixed or directed on something, as the eyes, a gaze, etc.

Hmmmm. Are you getting it? I am.

Slowly, but surely, God keeps reminding me of this invaluable weapon.

So, how do we enter His rest?

How can we live with the "feeling" of rest that we get when we are on the water, or at our "special place" that draws us away from the cares of life?

We can't live on vacation all the time. We have responsibilities and cares to deal with each day.

Not only is worship a weapon, but so is rest. It is a willful act of submitting to God. It is an act of letting go and laying down. A choice to abide in Him. To choose a mind of rest, even in the midst of chaos.

This is so much harder to do than it sounds isn't it? And yet, we have all felt the protection that rest gives us. It is like a weapon to fight against the pressures we all face. It is like a shield that covers us, and brings back clarity to our mind.

It can only be found in one place. The place where in our spirit we sit, with Him and talk... and listen... and let go.


Jesus said:
"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. "