Modern day living can be busy and stressful and rest is not something we’re accustomed to.  Many of us go about our days feeling like maybe we were born with a built-in to-do list that no matter how many boxes we check we just never seem to get through it. Before long we become burdened, weary, and overwhelmed. You work yourself ragged trying to keep up with some idea you have in your head and you’ve set impossible goals for yourself. Your phone demands your attention every time it dings, urging you to “stay connected”. If this sounds like you, then when was the last time you allowed yourself to sit and relax? When was the last time you allowed yourself a moment of quiet where you just closed your eyes and handed your busyness and overworked self over to the Lord? In the stillness, you might just hear the still, small voice that is calling you to rest; calling you to lay your heavy burdens down at His feet. We aren’t meant to carry any of this on our own. Jesus wants to help. He says, “Come to me… I will give you rest”! We have permission to REST! It may be hard to let go of the stress that’s been your sidekick for so long, but we were designed to rest. Our bodies need to rest and refresh... it’s essential!

God made sure to include in the beginning of Scripture that HE, Himself, rested. And then in Matthew He said, “learn from me” (11:29). If the Almighty, Everlasting God of the Universe needs His rest, how much more do we as limited humans. Surrender all over to the Lord today, allow yourself some much-needed rest and then sit back and watch how the Lord will prosper your work!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Lord, rest is one of the hardest things for me to do, when it should be the easiest! Today, I ask that you fill me with the courage to let it go and lay all of my worries, stresses, and my overwhelmed spirit at your feet. I want to rest in your presence and feel your spirit wash over my tired soul. I love you, Lord, and I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Matthew 11:28 (CSB).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.