Wait and rest

It's Monday again! Another week! Being alive can be tiring. There often seems to be no relief from all the responsibilities we have. What should we do when we're exhausted? The prophet Isaiah tells us that God 'gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint' (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV).

We weren't made to work all the time; we've been designed for a specific pattern of work and rest. 'Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God' (Exodus 20:8-9 NIV). When we abuse that and overwork ourselves, life gets even more difficult. The six days on, one day off thing was made for us to rest, but more than that, so that we could focus on God.

God rested after he made the world - and in the Sabbath he invites us, every week, to join him in that rest, focusing on everything he's done for us.



So what now? Start planning a restful, God-filled Sabbath day for this week (for most it's Sunday, but if it's not, that's ok). Maybe include a friend. Thank God that he'll show you how to wait on him to help you renew your strength.





— SCRIPTURE —

'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.' Isaiah 40:31 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

Num 29:1-6, Matt 24, Rev 11:15-19, 1 Cor 15:50-58