Rest. Yes, please, I’ll take the super-sized version.
We had a busy week last week, filled with amazing friends from many seasons, a gorgeous wedding, house guests, an ear infection, and not so fun cold.
As I enter this week, my soul craves the One it loves. I pulled an old Andrew Murray off the shelf called Abide in Christ. Andrew Murray has brought transformation to my life through his books. They are excellent. Read them. It’ll change your life too.
The pages are filled with heavy-hitting one liners.
“Only abiding in Jesus gives rest in Him.”
“He destined you to something better than short-lived blessedness.”
And this one really stood out to me. He is talking about when disappointment has crept in, expectations have not been met, and we’ve lost sight of what was so real and true when we first met Him.
“The answer is very simple. You wandered from Him. The blessings He bestows are all connected with His ‘come to Me,’ and are only to be enjoyed in close fellowship with Him.”
Although at first it feels sharp and convicting, it doesn’t take long until it is a warm comfort. Oh yes, I am just being a part of what He is doing. Oh yes, my job is to stay close. Oh yes, He desires intimacy above works. Oh yes, I can bear much fruit when I abide it in Him.
So, it’s back to the basics, and first things first. First comes the intimacy then comes the fruit. Sure, there is a kingdom to advance. Yes, there is a war to fight. Absolutely, there is darkness to penetrate, but why would I want to do that without the Light of the world?
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to Him and you will find rest for your soul. Let yourself crawl into His arms, experience His love wrapping around you. He is the all-sufficent One. Allow His Spirit to release life into your Spirit.
Have a happy Tuesday!