I rested my head on my pillow, but my mind kept working. I’d pushed all day, yet I hadn’t accomplished what I wanted. Would sleep be one more thing that wouldn’t get done?
By: Stuart
A Scripture interrupted my thoughts: “He gives to His beloved even in his sleep” (Psalms 127:2, NASB).
Are you saying that if I rest You’ll accomplish what concerns me?
I took a deep breath. Okay, I’ll let go and let You work. Sounded like a deal to me.
The next morning I sat on my porch reflecting on the power of rest. I asked the Lord to help me rest in Him. I committed the day’s schedule to Him and consciously submitted my plans to His will.
Before retiring that night, I grabbed my journal and jotted a quick list of thanksgivings. My jaw dropped as I realized how much had been accomplished. I smiled when I remembered my frustration the night before.
How many times has God patiently reminded me to rest in Him?
When will I learn that trusting is the work God has for me? Click To TweetWhen I work from a position of rest, I find pleasure in my activities. I also enjoy the Lord and the people around me. Being motivated is fun; being driven isn’t enjoyable for anyone.
The Bible shows two kinds of works: the works of human effort and the works of God. We must stop striving to join God in His work.
• “For whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:10, ESV).
• Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29, ESV).
• “ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23-24, NASB).
• “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20, NIV).
God spells success F-A-I-T-H.
Faith, not accomplishment, makes God smile. Click To TweetWe must stop striving to:
• Change other people
• Fix our problems
• Insulate ourselves from pain
• Prove our worth
• Prove we’re right
• Prove the other person is wrong
• Control the future
• Manipulate our circumstances
• Cover our guilt
• Understand
• Defeat sin
Unbelief rob us and God. Our work is to believe Jesus is enough.
To trust:
• The strength of my Savior instead of the strength of my effort.
• The greatness of my God instead of the size my faith
• The faithfulness of my Lord instead of the earnestness of my commitment
• The competency of Christ instead of the certainty of my convictions
Rest is not only pleasant; it is powerful. In what area do you need to remember Jesus is enough?
Does your faith need refreshing? Give Yourself a Break: Discover the Secrets to God’s Rest will refresh your faith and builds your confidence in God.
Question: How do you know when you’re striving? Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
linking to #live free Thursday
So good, Debbie! This reminds me of one of my favorite hymns, “Be Still, My Soul”. Enjoy your trip to Alaska!!
Thanks, Marilyn!
So happy to see you are back – Alaska – sounds amazing! I can so strongly relate to what you shared here. I remember Joyce Meyer talking about how she constantly used to ask why God why and when God when and He showed her that resting in His faithfulness was what she needed to do. I was talking to a friend after my first surgery a few months ago and she was so upset on my behalf that any of this happened to me! She kept saying she was asking God why. I told her I honestly didn’t need to know why it happened – just that He was walking through it with me and I meant that. I think we can drive ourselves crazy with questions that ultimately won’t change anything! In the end it didn’t matter why it happened – it did and I just needed to move forward in faith. The statement you made about the difference between being motivated and being driven was powerful. I always think the Holy Spirit motivates and the devil drives. Thank you for another wonderful post.
Ann, I experienced a similar situation where something bad happened, but I had peace, and friends were angry and upset. I believe God gives grace or “anesthesia” to the patient not the bystander. I like how you said “the Holy Spirit motivates and the devil drives.” That is so true. If only I’d remember it in the driven moments!
Best blog post ever! This is such a needed message.
Thank you, Diane. One I must remember every day!
This is wise and lovely encouragement here today, Debbie. Thanks for the reminder that when we work from a place of God’s rest, we’ll enjoy it! God has spoken to me a lot on the subject of rest, real physical and spiritual rest, and also working from a point of trust and rest. It was my word for 2015. #livefree
Me too, Betsy. I continue to need the reminder!
Such wise teaching! And my, don’t we all need the reminder?! #livefreeThursday
Thanks, Crystal!
needed this today – couldn’t sleep last night cuz of MY LIST – I need His rest and I need to trust. thanks, debbie!
Sue, I need to be reminded often! Thank you, my friend.