As a progressive Christian, I believe there are many names for God and many ways to a loving God; this article reflects one of those ways. Take from here what works for you. Celebrate life with joy and peace!
A lady opened her refrigerator and saw a rabbit sitting on one of the shelves.
“What are you doing in there?” she asked.
The rabbit replied, “This refrigerator is a Westinghouse, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Well,” said the rabbit, “I’m westing.”
I think we all need a westinghouse! Everyone needs a quiet spot; a peaceful place where they can get away to recharge their batteries, to replenish their spirit and to find a place of rest.
There’s an account of when Jesus’ disciples had been out teaching and healing to their community. They were busy and tired, working out in the heat and the dust and the crowds. And it was Jesus who suggested they get away from the crowds and the busyness for a while, and just rest. Their days and nights had been full of activity with so many people coming and going that they barely had time to eat. Ever been there?
So, Mark tells us, Jesus and the disciples left by boat for a quieter spot. I don’t think it was like the cruise ships leaving San Diego, but, nevertheless, they got away.
Notice it was Jesus who made this suggestion. How many of you know what it’s like to be stressed at work, and stressed when you come home! And don’t forget the commute!
Rest is important; and it’s good to know there is value in finding rest. A person can only perform draining tasks, and work long hours for so long, until it’s time to say, “Enough!” Jesus says, “Come and get away from the crowd for a while, come with me and find a quiet spot and rest.”
This is one of the reasons we practice the spiritual discipline of going to church on Sundays. To find rest for our souls, to be renewed spiritually, to be encouraged and reminded of God’s faithfulness in our daily lives.
Our lives were designed for balance. Everything in moderation. Even God worked six days and rested on the seventh, figuratively speaking. God created day and night. The day was for working. The night was for resting. Right?
God created us so that we’d spend about a third of every day sleeping; rejuvenating ourselves. We were created for balance; for working and relaxing, for taking care of business and having fun with friends and family, for socializing and partying and for spending time with God. See the balance here?
Jesus says, “Come away and rest.”
In the midst of crazy schedules and commitments and to-do lists and bucket lists, we need to find a westinghouse.
Think of somewhere that’s peaceful for you. Where is that for you? The ocean? The mountains? The desert? Your garden? Your bathtub? Find that place of rest for you.
God offers us that rest. You can rest on God’s promises. You can rest on God’s faithfulness. And you can rest on God’s provision.
Think about that in the light of your situation, and all that you’re going through right now. God’s promises are true.
You say: It’s impossible!
God says: All things are possible!
You say: I can’t go on.
God says: My grace is sufficient for you!
You say: I can’t figure things out.
God says: I will direct your steps!
You say: I can’t do it.
God says: You can do all things!
You say: I can’t forgive myself or others.
God says: I forgive you.
You say: I’m worried and frustrated.
God says: Cast all your cares on me!
You say: I’m not smart enough.
God says: I’ll give you wisdom!
You say: I’m too tired.
God says: I will give you rest.
Yes! We can rest on God’s promises. Hallelujah! And we can also rest on God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 36:5 – Your steadfast love, O God, extends to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds.
Psalm 119:90 – Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the Earth, and it stands fast.
Lamentations 3:22-23 – God’s steadfast love never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I Corinthians 10:13 – No trial/test has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful and will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the trial/temptation God will also provide the way out, so that you may be able to endure it.
And finally, Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for the One who promised is faithful.
We can rest on God’s faithfulness. We can rest on God’s promises, and we can also rest on God’s provision!
Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, God unto me!
God has promised to provide for all of our needs, not all of our greeds. Yes, we need to have faith to believe, and then remember that faith without works is dead. In other words, we need to put action behind our faith.
Hold on to your faith. Hold on to hope. Let’s encourage each other to rest; and find rest in God’s faithfulness, God’s promises and God’s provision!
