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everyday wisdom for everyday families

For the Family

Rest in Him

Rest In Him

Every year at this time, I find myself in a great need of refueling.

Undoubtedly, the combination of school ending, summer break approaching, and the weather warming up makes me yearn for a reprieve… or a long nap. But, oftentimes, our need for a recharging of our batteries has more to do with the condition of our hearts than the season of the year. Sometimes the pattern in our lives is that we strain and push, strive and endure… sustain and survive.

And that may be absolutely necessary in weathering job-hunting, a challenging homeschooling year, a prolonged season of illness, or an unresolved concern in your life… but, friends, striving apart from resting will always result in burn out.

Perhaps you are like me and do not find physically resting nearly as difficult as spiritually resting. It is not particularly challenging for me to take the day off from working, to take myself and my family out to dinner, to put my feet up and watch a movie, to go on vacation, or to book myself a mini spa date.

But when it comes to spiritually resting, I regularly forget how to clock out.

I forget what bounty of grace and freedom is provided for me in Christ. I forget what rest was paid for on my behalf through the cross. I forget that my striving to be perfect and holy was eclipsed by Jesus’ perfect life and sacrifice. I forget that He has promised himself as our Comforter, our provider, our friend… the Prince of Peace.

I forget that peace is not something that comes at the end of everything falling into place but by placing everything at His feet. 

You see, apart from the daily reminders, through God’s word, of His finished work, I am often tempted to work and strain as if my life depended on it.

And friends, our lives are meant to depend only on HIM.

Are you weary? Do you need a time-out? Have you come to the end of your rope, or the end of your energy? Our batteries were meant to run out, dear reader. How else would we know the riches of His rest, otherwise?

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28

So join me…rest in Him, only Him.

Because of Grace,

Ruthwww.gracelaced.com


About Ruth Simons

It's only by the grace of God that Ruth considers motherhood to 6 wonderful boys a high and worthy calling. She's been married 15 years to her headmaster husband, who was formerly a pastor for 10 years. She educates her children at home through the model of University-Model Schooling, at a Classical Christian school they were part of founding. She considers it a privilege to teach and live out the Gospel with them at home. When not busy with family, she loves to paint, sew, garden, cook for a crowd, travel, and redecorate her girlfriends’ homes. Ruth blogs at www.gracelaced.com, where she writes about the many moments in which the Gospel intersects daily life. Connect with Ruth on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Comments

  1. vjmunton says

    LOVE this: “I forget that peace is not something that comes at the end of everything falling into place but by placing everything at His feet.” A great reminder for us every day!