Rest

by David Huff

In this world today, we are taught at a very early age that if you want anything in life, you have to work to get it. While this is true in many instances, there is also a trap in this saying. For many people this translates to I must work every hour that I can so that I can have a better life. In the process of working yourself into the ground, you neglect rest and many times, a proper diet. The more you work, the more stress that piles up on you. The more that you begin to stress, the less you receive proper rest.

Sooner or later, you’ll realize you are just going through the motions of everyday life without truly realizing that your mind and body are paying a heavy toll for it. Your spiritual life and family take a back seat to the pressures of staying caught up with the Joneses. For me, this scenario is all too familiar. I got so busy doing the very things that I thought would make my life easier. I said when I get this or that or when I reach this plateau, I will stop and slow down. The truth is with each “this or that” and “plateau” that I reached I set new goals.

I was tired, I was restless, and I was hurting. I was hurting because it was my family that paid the price. I was hurting because I no longer had enough time to get quiet before God and listen to His direction. Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The word yoke is a device that was connected over two animals to hold them together and keep them in pace while plowing. A yoke was heavy and sturdy so that it could not be broken. It would tire you out to try and carry it. A heavy yoke could be compared to the worlds demands upon us to have the American Dream. Jesus, however, says carry my yoke for it is lighter and easier. The world’s demands will tire us out, not just physically but spiritually as well. When we take the time to rest in Jesus’ arms, we receive a refreshing that gives us the strength to walk though this world. Romans tells us to renew our minds so that we can discern what is good. The only way we can renew our mind is in the rest that comes from Jesus. When we take time to be with Him and to make Him first, we find a rest that no sleep or vacation can give us.

About The Author My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and production. I am also a senior at Liberty University.