WAY #22: REST AND REFLECT

 
REST AND REFLECT. Make time in your week to step back from work, school, and stressful demands.  Since Christ has freed us, we no longer have to be obsessively driven.  Take a walk, play, nap, meet up with friends, share a meal, or just take some time in solitude. 
 
a On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. (Genesis 2: 2, 3)
 
b Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11: 28)
 
c This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30: 15)
 
Ideas for Action: Can you make your Sunday more of a Sabbath day of rest for you and your family? Connect with God using worship music. Unplug from the devices for part or all of the day. Seek the joy of the Lord in Creation. Eat a meal together. Be silent with God and pray. Prioritize wholeness and rejuvenation in Christ.

 

Daily Devotionals

 
MONDAY:
 
Genesis 2:2-3
THINK: Notice the work that God finishes: the work of creation. There is still much more God can and will do, but instead of getting a jump on His next week, God rests. There is always more work, there will always be one more thing you can do or that is expected of you. Rest and Reflect anyway. Set a day aside where work takes a back seat to rest.
PRAY: to God about your difficulties with rest.

TUESDAY:

Matthew 11:28-30
THINK: A yolk is most often placed on two animals so they can work side by side. Where does it feel like Jesus is in this analogy? Is He the farmer? He at your side as a fellow worker? The yolk of Jesus isn’t easy because there is little work to be done. It is easy because He works at your side. Rest and Reflect by letting Jesus shoulder the burden and work at your side.
PRAY: through areas in your life where you feel burdened and ask Jesus for help.

WEDNESDAY:

Exodus. 20:8-10
THINK: None of the 10 Commandments are as easily disregarded by Christians as the Sabbath. No one says “Adultery was a restriction under the Law, I live in a new covenant of Grace.” The command to remember he Sabbath is not gone, but remains today. Ignoring Sabbath is harmful to you and your faith. We Rest and Reflect because it is a part of God’s good plan for our lives.
PRAY: that the Spirit would continue to sanctify you towards restfulness.

THURSDAY:

Psalm 55:4-8
THINK: Sometimes the circumstances of life feel so oppressive or overwhelming that rest seems impossible. For David, the only way he felt like he could find safety and rest was to fly away. If you are in a period of anguish, do not let the encouragement to Rest and Reflect be one more way you feel like you are falling short. Sin breaks into our lives and cuts deep. Remember God rescues, but also that He sits at your side in hardship.
PRAY: the Spirit’s presence to be known in the life of someone experiencing anguish.

FRIDAY:

Acts 16:13-15
THINK: Paul and his friends went on the Sabbath to find a place of prayer and instead found people. Instead of finding a different place to pray, they saw the opportunity to live out their faith in conversation. Taking a Sabbath can easily be a restrictive and judgmental practice. Instead, we find Paul Resting and Reflecting by putting his faith into action for those around him. As you Rest and Reflect, let people trump expectations.
PRAY: that God would give you good opportunities to care for people.

SATURDAY:

Hebrew 4:9-11
THINK: Resting and Reflecting is about more than just enjoying life, it is enjoying life in relationship to God. Sabbath rest is God’s rest. It is His gift to you and it is by His invitation that we enter it. God invites you into His presence to rest with Him and to know that He is in control. Rest and Reflect and lean hard on God’s promises and power.
PRAY: that God would show you the places where He promises you more.

Devotional Guides

SERIES ONE  Printable copy of Way #22 Devotionals (Small Group Guide)
 
SERIES TWO Printable copy of Way #22 Devotionals (Series Two)