Saturday, August 11, 2018
Matthew 11:20 " . . . I will give you rest."
TAKE A BREAK!
Have you been to the lake this summer? Did you pack up the car and visit the ocean? Or spend time just sitting on the deck talking?
But what is this ideal vacation get-away? God says: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters. . . . Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live" (Isaiah 55:1, 3). "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
A spiritual "vacation" is as close as the Word of Christ. Listen to those quiet waters gently lapping as they calm stressed-out hearts with the unspoiled peace of God. The Word assures you that in spite of everything that is wrong, all is well between you and God, for Jesus took all the wrong on Himself and paid the penalty for it on the cross.
Unload all your fears, failures, and troubles on Jesus. There is no better person with whom to spend relaxing quality time. He is never too busy to listen and care, and He promises His divine strength to see you through whatever the future might hold.
So this summer, whether you're off to the lake or just the backyard Weber, take a break from the wear-and-tear of daily life. Find that special spot and time each day when you can "get away from it all" by reading a chapter of Scripture. Take a break and share with God in prayer your deepest hurts as well as your fondest dreams. Between the end of one hectic week and the start of another, take a break. Join your spiritual brothers and sisters in the Lord's house to praise Him for mercies fresh and new every morning. Take a break and look forward to coming back rested, refreshed, and ready for continued service in the Lord's kingdom!
-- From the "Lutheran Spokesman"
