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Even that statement sounds like a contradiction - how can you live in rest?  I was with John Dawson once - and he was telling me how in the midst of a lot of work, stress, and uncertainty God showed him he wanted him to rest.  Rest is the idea that I must withdraw and get away from it all to rest - that isn’t what the writer of Hebrews in Hebrews 3-4 was writing about. 

Its summer and we all try to take vacations - to get away and refuel - and that’s healthy and good.  But a bigger question is how do I rest in the midst of following God?  Especially those of you that are pastors and church planters, who have non-stop days and nights, there’s the work, the new initiatives you’re launching, the people headaches, the lack of resources, the over work of your spouse - it can be overbearing.  It’s one reason   ministry is an area that many start, but so few finish in.  I’m convinced one of the keys of long-term ministry and effectiveness is the full understanding of this concept of REST. 

Let me define rest in this context - putting your confidence and future in God’s hand, refusing to take it back.  When we put it all in God’s hand, we stay calm and we don’t operate in our flesh to make things happen that only God can do.  Much of the reason for the absence of rest is we try to do things to bring about God’s will.  That isn’t necessary.  God’s will cannot and will not be thwarted - we are servants, not messiahs.  Reminding ourselves of that when we begin to feel anxious or uptight at the very beginning keeps us from veering off track.  This is what happened to the Israelites in following Moses, they tried to make things happen in their own strength. 

When we are not at rest - it doesn’t just put us in a state of unease but it puts those around us in a state of unease also.  When we get uptight we make others uptight.  Uptight people rarely make the right decisions.  They do it based on what they think will bring ease, or what they think will help them accomplish their goal.  When we begin to work in the flesh - we lose the presence and blessing of God.  Either God is in control or he’s not.  If he’s in control and I believe that, my response, emotions, and focus are radically different than I have to “make it happen.” 

Everyone in the Bible, who God used, worked hard, long and intense.  Starting with Noah, Abraham, David, Hezekiah, Jesus, John the Baptist, the Apostles, Paul - it’s true of history.  Long periods of sustained work and focus require you to catch moments of rest along the way because can’t there always be that break exactly like you would like it.  I used to dread the long flights over the Pacific or Atlantic - but I came to realize they could be moments of rest - no cell phone, no distractions - read some, watch movies - let it be a time of rest as much as possible - if you get upgraded that’s a sign of God’s favor!  Just kidding. 

I’ve also learned that my physical health impacts my mental and emotional health.  A hard one hour workout does wonders for your mental state - and even your prayer life!  It clears your mind and allows you to clean your heart.  Vary what you do to rest as well - do some yard work, or something else. 

People go at different speeds and paces - but regardless of how fast we go - we all need rest.  Take some time today to relax - God really does have it all under control.