EXTREME RELAXATION

Summer is about to begin. Time to slow down, rest and relax? (Farmers are asking, “What time to relax?”)

Or do you get busy with relaxing going here and there? Doing this and that?

The word “relax” means to make or become less tense or anxious. Although the word “relax” does not appear in the Bible, the word “peace” occurs more than 265 times. Better than just lessening anxiety; peace means to be free from disturbance, to experience tranquility.

So where do we find peace?

Jesus tells you that he gives a peace that is unlike anything some resort or cruise can give.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ we have peace with God. Christ brings us the peace of God which exceeds all expectations and transcends all understanding will protect your hearts and minds. The life of faith gives you peace and joy through the Holy Spirit. That peace and joy relaxes you.

To have this peace, this extreme relaxation, one must rest. This peace doesn’t come through busy-ness.

So where do we find rest?  

We adopt the world’s view that breaking the Sabbath, not resting and worshipping God, isn’t a big deal.

God sees and makes it different (Deut 5:12-15). The LORD tells his people that he will give them rest (Jer 31:2) Not only that. The LORD commands that people take a day of rest (Ex 20:8-11) The LORD names this day of rest Sabbath. The Sabbath is not to be a day of distractions and busy-ness. The Sabbath is to be a day of remembering our lives are holy, sacred and special.

“You shall keep my sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, given in order that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.” (Ex 31:13)

Our ultimate rest and refreshment is in God (Heb 4:1-11, Rev 14:13). When we do not rest in the LORD, we damage ourselves (Jer 17:21) Sabbath is a time to renew your connection with the LORD who loves you.

Don’t take a vacation from the LORD this summer.

Rather than spending time away from the LORD, rest and relax in the LORD.

In the time of slowing down take time to be still in the presence of the LORD.

Come to worship and give all your anxiety to the LORD.

Start you beautiful summer Sunday mornings in Sabbath time reconnecting to the source of your peace.

Start your slow mornings in prayer and pondering the Word.

 

May the Lord, who is our peace, give us peace at all times and in every way. (2 Thess 3:16) – Pastor Douglas