By Simon Cayzer
As we near the end of the year, most of us look forward to completing tasks and the opportunity for rest. Often, we need physical, mental, and emotional rest at first. God knows this and wants to be part of what we do, and don’t do, to rest well. We can ask him for ideas and help to rest well. Jesus also invites us to experience rest for our souls. A phrase in The Message expresses this well: “Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
I recently took a short break after a particularly busy work season. During a walk along the Manawatu River, I reflected on Jesus’ promise in Matthew 11:28-30. I came across a small stand of Totara trees with a simple seat under their canopy. As I sat and listened to the Lord, I had the sense of Jesus inviting me to find refuge and shelter in him, like the shelter offered by the Totara trees. I found rest for my soul as I found refuge in Jesus, as David expresses in Psalm 113: ‘hid myself in the Lord’.
I encourage you to seek ways to come to Jesus and find rest for your soul. This could involve planning extended time with God sometime over the summer. The first thing we will do as a national leadership team next year is have a day seeking God together. Is God leading you to read in a particular place in the Bible, or to read a book to help you focus on him? During my recent break, I read Psalm 139 each day and a book called Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Hayley Barton, which helped me focus on the Lord. Ruth Barton also has an excellent podcast. Whatever helps you to find shelter and refuge in the Lord, may you find rest for your soul.
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30