Finding Peace in Simplicity: Embracing Rest in Christ

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared a personal reflection on a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:6, which states, "Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and pursuit of the wind." This verse speaks to two distinct ways of living: one characterized by peace and simplicity, and the other by relentless striving and dissatisfaction. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves filling every moment with activity, leaving little room for rest and reflection. This constant busyness can distract us from recognizing what God is doing in our lives.

I referenced John Comer's book, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," which has profoundly impacted my life. Comer suggests that if the devil can't make us sin, he'll make us busy. This busyness can prevent us from seeing God's work and experiencing the peace and fullness that only Jesus can provide.

Reflecting on our church's Saturate campaign, I see it as an opportunity to invite others to experience the peace and fullness found in Jesus. Many people search for fulfillment in worldly things, only to find something missing. Jesus offers the true fullness and peace that we all desire.

I am grateful for the love and support our church family has shown my family and me. Your constant demonstration of Jesus' love inspires us to pursue holiness and become more like Him. As we continue our journey, let us remain open to God's work in our lives and strive to show others the love and peace of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Value of Rest and Simplicity: Ecclesiastes 4:6 reminds us that a life of peace and simplicity is more fulfilling than one of relentless striving. In a world that glorifies busyness, we must intentionally create space for rest and reflection to truly experience God's presence. [01:30]

2. The Danger of Busyness: John Comer's insight that "if the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy" highlights the spiritual danger of constant activity. Busyness can distract us from God's work and prevent us from experiencing the peace and fullness that Jesus offers. [02:45]

3. The Search for Fulfillment: Many people seek fulfillment in worldly things, only to find something missing. True fullness and peace can only be found in Jesus, who offers what the world cannot. Our role is to invite others to experience this transformative relationship. [03:30]

4. The Impact of Community: Our church community plays a vital role in demonstrating Jesus' love and support. By embracing and loving one another, we create an environment where people can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. [03:50]

5. Pursuing Holiness: Our ultimate pursuit is to become more like Jesus in how we think, act, and speak. By focusing on holiness and reflecting Jesus' love, we can impact those around us and draw them closer to Him. [04:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction and Personal Background
- [01:00] - Ecclesiastes 4:6: Two Ways of Living
- [01:30] - The Value of Rest and Simplicity
- [02:00] - The Fast-Paced World We Live In
- [02:30] - Insights from John Comer's Book
- [02:45] - The Danger of Busyness
- [03:00] - The Search for Fulfillment
- [03:30] - The Role of the Saturate Campaign
- [03:50] - The Impact of Community
- [04:06] - Pursuing Holiness
- [04:30] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ecclesiastes 4:6

Observation Questions:
1. What are the two ways of living described in Ecclesiastes 4:6, and how do they differ from each other? [01:00]
2. How does John Comer's book, "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," relate to the message of Ecclesiastes 4:6? [02:30]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the impact of busyness on our spiritual lives? [02:45]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "one handful with rest" challenge the cultural norm of constant busyness and productivity? [01:30]
2. In what ways might busyness be a tool used by the devil to distract us from God's work, according to the sermon? [02:45]
3. How does the Saturate campaign serve as an opportunity to invite others to experience the peace and fullness found in Jesus? [03:30]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are pursuing "two handfuls with effort"? How can you create more space for rest and reflection? [01:30]
2. Consider the statement, "If the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy." How can you identify and eliminate unnecessary busyness in your life? [02:45]
3. Think about a time when you sought fulfillment in worldly things. How did that experience compare to the peace and fullness offered by Jesus? [03:30]
4. How can you actively participate in the Saturate campaign to help others find the peace and fullness in Jesus that you have experienced? [03:30]
5. In what ways can your church community support you in pursuing a life of peace and simplicity? How can you contribute to creating an environment where others can encounter Jesus? [03:50]
6. What specific steps can you take this week to pursue holiness and become more like Jesus in your thoughts, actions, and words? [04:06]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel overwhelmed by busyness. What practical changes can you make to prioritize rest and spiritual growth? [02:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Rest and Simplicity
In a world that often glorifies busyness, Ecclesiastes 4:6 reminds us of the profound value of rest and simplicity. The verse contrasts two ways of living: one that is peaceful and content with what one has, and another that is characterized by relentless striving and dissatisfaction. In our fast-paced lives, we often fill every moment with activity, leaving little room for rest and reflection. This constant busyness can distract us from recognizing what God is doing in our lives and experiencing His presence. By intentionally creating space for rest, we open ourselves to the peace and fullness that only God can provide. [01:30]

"Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind." - Ecclesiastes 4:6 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one activity you can set aside this week to create space for rest and reflection, allowing you to experience God's presence more fully?


Day 2: The Spiritual Danger of Busyness
John Comer's insight that "if the devil can't make you sin, he'll make you busy" highlights the spiritual danger of constant activity. Busyness can prevent us from seeing God's work and experiencing the peace and fullness that Jesus offers. In our pursuit of success and fulfillment, we often become so consumed with our schedules and responsibilities that we miss the quiet whispers of God's voice. By slowing down and prioritizing our spiritual well-being, we can become more attuned to God's presence and His work in our lives. [02:45]

"And he said, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" - Exodus 33:14 (ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where busyness is overwhelming your spiritual well-being. How can you create a habit of slowing down in this area to better hear God's voice?


Day 3: Finding True Fulfillment in Jesus
Many people seek fulfillment in worldly things, only to find something missing. True fullness and peace can only be found in Jesus, who offers what the world cannot. Our role as believers is to invite others to experience this transformative relationship with Christ. By sharing the peace and fullness we have found in Jesus, we can help others discover the true source of fulfillment. [03:30]

"For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things." - Psalm 107:9 (ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is searching for fulfillment. How can you share the peace and fullness you have found in Jesus with them this week?


Day 4: The Power of Community in Faith
Our church community plays a vital role in demonstrating Jesus' love and support. By embracing and loving one another, we create an environment where people can encounter Jesus and grow in their faith. The love and support of a faith community can inspire us to pursue holiness and become more like Christ. As we journey together, let us remain open to God's work in our lives and strive to show others the love and peace of Jesus. [03:50]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your church community this week to help others encounter Jesus and grow in their faith?


Day 5: Pursuing Holiness and Reflecting Jesus' Love
Our ultimate pursuit is to become more like Jesus in how we think, act, and speak. By focusing on holiness and reflecting Jesus' love, we can impact those around us and draw them closer to Him. This pursuit of holiness is not about perfection but about aligning our lives with God's will and allowing His love to shine through us. As we strive to become more like Christ, we can be a beacon of hope and love to those around us. [04:06]

"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." - 1 Peter 1:14-15 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can focus on becoming more like Jesus this week? How can you reflect His love to those around you in this area?

Quotes


So the verse that I wanna share with you all today is in Ecclesiastes it's Ecclesiastes 4 6 better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and pursuit of the wind so this verse is kind of broken up into two sections and I would say it's really around two different ways of living the first way you know better one handful with rest is really a life of peace and simplicity [00:00:55] (25 seconds)


I think of kind of slowness when I think of rest and be able to just kind of be present and intentional the second part of this you know better than two handfuls with effort and pursuit of the wind think of that as kind of a relentless striving almost like a dissatisfaction and just constantly pursuit pursuit pursuit looking for something but you can't quite find what that is you know this verse resonates with me a lot you know we live in a world where there's so much pace like we just live in a fast -paced world where [00:01:18] (29 seconds)


There's a book I read by John Comer called The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and it's meant so much to me in my life. And one of the principles that talks about a lot is just being slow and trying to emulate the life of Jesus who lived a slower life very intentional what I mean by that is one of the things he says in there in his book is if the devil can't make you sin he'll make you busy it's a powerful comment because ultimately what it means is you know we're busy we're distracted and it's easy to miss what God is doing when we're constantly [00:02:04] (33 seconds)


Thank you for sharing Jesus with us every time we're around you all and constantly showing us Jesus and how you act and live and think and walk. That's ultimately our ultimate pursuit, is how do we pursue holiness to be more like Jesus? So let me close this out with prayer. [00:04:06] (14 seconds)


God, I just pray that you just help us to just truly dwell and understand what you're doing in our life and in our community. And help us not to miss it by the busyness of the world and the busyness of the things that throw at us. And, you know, life is just so busy. And just pray, Lord, that you just open our hearts and give us the wisdom to know what to do next and to know how to think and how to act and how to speak like Jesus. Because that's what we want to do, Lord. We want to show others Jesus. [00:04:27] (32 seconds)


Again, Lord, I just pray for that peace, that calmness, that fullness that only you can provide. [00:04:58] (5 seconds)


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Transcript
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