I think the most violent act when in a hard season, an action that disrupts the ferocity of the battle, is rest.  Rest doesn’t necessarily mean we sit on the couch and eat junk food all day. Rest is the choice to step out of our normal daily rhythm and be still in solitude and silence focusing our attention and affection on Jesus.  Rest focuses on being vs. doing (we are human beings not human doings). The most important aspect of rest is time spent with Jesus and I don’t necessarily mean our devotion time (scripture reading and journaling) though these are important and necessary in our walk with Him.  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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Mt. 11:28). Rest that comes from the inside out comes from being with God.

I’ve been in a bit of a hard season lately. It has caused me to enter into rest and fight from that place.  I was struck when teaching on Lk. 5:12-16, where Jesus withdrew (as He OFTEN did) into the wilderness when His ministry “success” was growing.  The wilderness may very well have been the same place Jesus was tempted by the devil for 40 days.  At least scriptural wilderness often represents seasons of testing.  I find it interesting that Jesus chose to enter his place of testing to find rest. Isn’t that what God does for us?  He transforms our places of testing into places of resting.

So unplug, power off, set aside the devices and screen time, turn off the noisemakers and set aside daily time to be . . . with God. No agenda other than to be with Him, encounter Him, and practice His presence.

Rest up!

Pastor Reggie

Jesus the Model
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