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Tuesday, January 12, 2016

The need to rest

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Introduction:
Today's post is going to make an important announcement regarding what I've concluded from praying and thinking about needing to rest for a season from blogging. But first, let me say a word about what the scripture says about the necessity of rest in the Christian life. 

Two four letter words: Busy and Rest
I am convinced that in today's Christian world we have two four-letter words, one of which is dirty to God and one of which is dirty to us. The word that we find ourselves saying often to God that is dirty to Him is the word "busy": "I'm too busy to pray" or "I'm too busy too stop and check on so-and-so" or "I'm to busy to sit and listen." One wise saint of God described the word "busy" in acrostic form: "burdened under satan's yoke." Certainly God in His Word warns us of getting too "busy" and not resting or taking time out to pray and seek His face. (Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 46:10; Matthew 11:28-30)

The second four letter word is dirty to us but pleasant to God. That word is "rest". I have noticed lately how when talking to Christians or even in my own activities and thoughts how little room there is for "rest". The idea of taking time out to rest is repulsive to many Christians. Why is that? Let's be honest - we don't like resting in prayer before God because we like control. Scripture abounds with God calling His people to come and rest and spend time with Him in prayer. Rest is something God did after creation and is still doing, affirming His Sovereign control over all he has made. 

Rest is at the core of what it means to be a Christian, since in it we are affirming Christ's Sovereign control over us. It is in the place of prayer in conjunction with God's word that the Christian is once again refreshed and recharged.  Rest is seasonal or weekly. We know there are times and seasons of rest - followed by seasons and times of activity. Both are ordained by God and constitute the rhythm of healthy Christian discipleship.

My need to rest, but to hopefully resume blogging in the near future
To all my readers, blogging has become a major part of my life. However, I really feel inclined to take a season of "rest" from what has become a daily activity for me. There are just those times when "rest" is required, and for me, that time is now. I want to continue to grow in my walk with the Lord and aim to pick up the "proverbial pen" once more in the near future whenever God sees fit and inclines me to become active once again in blogging. I urge readers to explore this blog-site. The goal has been and will always be to provide "growing Christian resources" for people that emphasize the practical, doctrinal and supernatural aspects of the Christian walk. Blessings!