A Lifestyle of Rest
The Lord’s promise in Exodus 33 connects His Presence with a state of rest for His people. There is an invitation for believers to enter into a lifestyle of rest through the Holy Spirit.
“The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
As believers, filled with the Holy Spirit, we have an incredible opportunity to receive rest from the Lord at all times. Often, we consider rest as a temporary experience that comes and goes like day and night. Rest is often a retreat or escape from trouble and hardship, and other times it is a time of recovery after a painful event or sickness. All true and important for our physical and mental health, there is another depth of rest available to our souls. The Lord’s promise in Exodus 33 connects the Presence of His Spirit with a state of rest for His people. I believe there is an invitation for believers to enter into a lifestyle of rest because the Holy Spirit resides within us. “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way” (2 Thess. 3:16). The Presence of the Lord ALWAYS brings peace. He is the true essence of peace and if His Presence abides within us then we are already infused with the peace of God. Now how do we tap into that truth and experience the peace that brings rest as a lifestyle rather than as fleeting moments?
The invitation from heaven is not to live life running constantly to the sidelines catching our breath after every hard play, but to actively engage in the fullness, intensity and realities of life while hooked up to a continual supply of spiritual rest. We are offered peace because we trust in God. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3). Trusting God with the seen and unseen needs of each day brings peace, which allows our hearts and minds to exchange anxiety for rest.
Fear is vanquished because we know the One who loves us. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.(1 John 4:18). If we let go of the fear of punishment, the fear of the unknown, the fear from lack of control and trust completely in a completely trustworthy God then peace is ours. A lifestyle of rest is an invitation to live courageously by faith. When we live in the peace that comes from fearlessness and trust, then rest is available at all times in all circumstances through the Spirit within us.
“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
Prayer
Lord, today we recognize and celebrate the amazing gift of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for leaving your Presence with us and with it a constant hook up to your peace. We lay down our fears and we proclaim again our faith in you, our most Faithful God. Lord we want to live a lifestyle of peace that encourages those around us, overflowing with hope and faith. Thank you, for through your Spirit, you give us all we need for an abundant, glory-filled life on this earth!
Join us for an intentional weekend focused on learning how to live a lifestyle of Rest at Northlands Women’s Conference, Refresh 2017. Click here for more information.
