Toys scatter the living room floor. Suitcases sit waiting to be emptied. The washing machine hums as it works to catch up on neglected laundry. The work sits by the computer waiting to be finished. To-do lists grow into monstrous stacks of administrative madness. And this is only what I can see from where I am sitting …
In my own strength, I am failing. I’m behind on life, and I crave the routine that follows the chaos of travel and busyness.
Canaan was the earthly rest that was offered to the people of God in the Old Testament. Even after going through Egypt, the Red Sea, and Sinai, an entire generation did not get to experience God’s rest because they hardened their hearts.
They rebelled against God. They tested God. They failed to believe Him, and as a result, they perished in the wilderness and were prohibited from entering God’s rest.
Just like the Israelites, I come right up to the edge of entering into freedom and fullness and fruitfulness in Christ, and then my heart is hardened.
I look at giants. I look at my circumstances. I quiver in fear, and I say, “I’m not going forward. I’m not believing God. I’m too tired. I’m too weary.”
Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12
As a wife and a mom, days (and nights!) are hard. More often than not, I fail to believe that God is capable of providing me with the rest that I long for.
I must put off unbelief. I need the shield of faith, faith that holds firm to Jesus Christ all the way to the finish line (even when I’m weary and worn).
I cannot accomplish my goals in my own strength, with my own plans, with my own ideas of success. I must instead say that Jesus Christ is enough. My greatest need has been met through the finished work of Christ.
Because of this truth, God has promised me a present rest, a life of freedom and fullness and fruitfulness in Christ.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
The life of rest is a life of faith, faith in Christ and Christ alone. It is not faith in my own ability or my own strength.
I will not experience rest here in this life – the peace, the abundance, the freedom, the fullness, the fruitfulness –as long as I am striving in my own effort to be who God wants me to be. It has to be Him at work in me for me to experience peace that surpasses all understanding.
So I must ask you.
Are you resting in the peace that God has offered you today, or are you striving to accomplish all of your work in your own strength?
My friends, Christ longs to carry your burden for you. It’s hard enough being you without carrying that which was never meant for you to carry.
For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? Psalm 18:30
What to Do When Your Goals Flop {February Goals Update}
This is just what I need today. I’ve been busy all week long and I’m so weary of always going that I’m starting to snap at people. Thanks for posting. It means a lot to me that I have a Father that wants to, can, and will take my burdens and give me peace.
I totally get “snapping at people.” Exhaustion does it to me every time!
This is such a great reminder that I think all moms need to hear. I know I needed to hear this today! Thank you!
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes recently posted…{Experiencing Peace} Getting out of the Boat
Moms definitely need to be reminded to rest in Him! I need to re-read this reminder daily sometimes.
OH! I loved this last line: “My friends, Christ longs to carry your burden for you. It’s hard enough being you without carrying that which was never meant for you to carry.” We were never meant to be carrying all this pressure to do so much and be so much. We can’t do or be anything without Jesus. Beautiful post, Leigh Ann! Thanks for the reminder.
Jane @ Devoted SONriser recently posted…21 Dates With God: Proverbs On-The-Go
Thanks, Jane! It is true that we are truly nothing without Jesus. But boy do I try really hard!
This is my word for the year- REST. This post is one of my faves, thank you soooo much for sharing your heart on this matter. He is teaching me, one day at a time, to quit striving & “trying” and just rest in Him and ENJOY my journey with my family. Thanks again!