Newsletter

May 2010 Newsletter

Renewal and Rest by Eleanor Lewis

Someone has said if we don't come apart and rest awhile we will just come apart! How true! Do you need rest? God gave us a Sabbath day because He knew we needed it! The law said work six days and rest the seventh to refresh yourself even during plowing and harvest which were important, busy times. (Ex 23:12, 34:21) It was a permanent law of rest to humble their souls - or put 'self' aside. (Lev 16:31)

One day a week was for rest and renewal. Yet in our world the Sabbath is like any other day. We cram it to the max so that by Monday we need another weekend. Vacations are so full of activity we need a vacation after our vacation. So where is the rest?

During a busy time Jesus told his followers to, "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31) We may cease from labor, but often our minds and souls are still not quiet. Have you ever tried to sleep while wrestling, tossing, thinking, planning, worrying, and perhaps anxiously praying?

As we approach the filming of the new Bible Study "Invincible Love, Invisible War" I admit I've struggled to rest. There is an invisible war going on from within and without. My mind is overwhelmed with details and fears. Yet Jesus promises, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Mt 11:28-29)

Perhaps our real struggle is with the 'humble your soul' part. Putting 'self' aside is difficult as we think we are very important. Jesus is 'humble' so it makes sense that only as we acknowledge we are weary and heavy-laden and take the yoke of the One who is humble in heart will we find complete rest for our bodies and souls.