Finding Rest and Joy in God's Generosity
Summary
Welcome to Del Sol Church, where we are excited about the upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS) and the opportunity it presents to help children know and follow Jesus. As we gather today, whether in person or online, we focus on the goodness of God and the importance of worship, which includes not only singing and learning from God's Word but also giving generously. Proverbs 11:24 reminds us that those who give generously receive more, not necessarily in material wealth, but in joy, peace, and meaning. Through our giving, we become part of God's work, like the recent baptisms at our Sanchez Prison Campus, and we find peace knowing God is our provider.
Today, we also remember Jeannie Bannon, a beloved member of our church who has passed away. We celebrate her life and the joy she now experiences with the Lord, while praying for her family during this time of grief. As we reflect on the changing seasons, we are reminded of the need for spring cleaning, not just in our homes but in our souls. Jesus offers us a rich, meaningful life, but the clutter of life can hinder us from experiencing it fully. We are not bodies with souls; we are souls with bodies, and our souls need rest.
The curse of restlessness, introduced by sin, leaves us feeling like wanderers, always searching but never satisfied. God promises rest for our souls, but we must clear out the clutter to enjoy it. True rest is found in God alone, as David declares in Psalm 62:1. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest, not just for our bodies but for our souls. To find this rest, we must be still before God, wait for Him, and reflect on His goodness.
Being still allows us to know God deeply, beyond the busyness of life. Waiting for God, though challenging, is essential for clearing our souls and finding rest. Reflecting on God's goodness reminds us of His faithfulness and provision, even in difficult times. As we do this, we align our lives with God's grace, moving away from the hustle and hurry of the world. By repenting and turning towards God's way, we find peace, hope, and joy, living a life driven by His goodness.
Key Takeaways:
- Generosity and Joy: Giving generously is an act of worship that brings joy, peace, and meaning. It allows us to participate in God's work and reminds us that He is our provider, ensuring we never lack what we truly need. [12:46]
- The Essence of Our Being: We are souls with bodies, and our souls need rest. The clutter of life can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers. True rest is found in God alone, and we must clear out the clutter to enjoy it. [38:40]
- The Curse of Restlessness: Sin introduced a curse of restlessness, leaving us feeling like wanderers. We often seek rest in vacations or hobbies, but true rest for our souls comes from God. We must clear out the clutter to find this rest. [41:28]
- Being Still Before God: To find rest, we must be still before God, knowing that He is in control. This discipline allows us to purify our souls and find peace, preventing burnout and helping us live a life aligned with God's grace. [47:49]
- Reflecting on God's Goodness: Reflecting on God's goodness reminds us of His faithfulness and provision. Even in difficult times, God has been good to us, sustaining and loving us. This reflection brings rest to our souls, aligning us with His grace. [56:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Introduction to VBS
[04:30] - Importance of Generosity
[12:46] - Joy in Giving
[15:00] - Remembering Jeannie Bannon
[20:00] - Spring Cleaning of the Soul
[25:00] - Understanding Our Souls
[30:00] - The Curse of Restlessness
[38:40] - Finding Rest in God
[41:28] - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
[44:18] - Being Still Before God
[47:49] - Waiting for God
[51:17] - Reflecting on God's Goodness
[56:20] - Aligning with God's Grace
[01:02:51] - Repentance and Realignment
[01:06:24] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 11:24
2. Psalm 62:1
3. Matthew 11:28-29
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Proverbs 11:24, what are the outcomes of giving generously versus being stingy? How does this align with the sermon’s message on generosity and joy? [12:46]
2. In Psalm 62:1, where does David say his soul finds rest? How does this verse relate to the sermon’s emphasis on finding true rest in God? [41:28]
3. What invitation does Jesus extend in Matthew 11:28-29, and how does it address the issue of restlessness discussed in the sermon? [44:18]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of sin on our sense of rest and satisfaction? [41:28]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of generosity in Proverbs 11:24 extend beyond material wealth to include joy, peace, and meaning? What does this suggest about the nature of true wealth? [12:46]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the clutter of life can hinder us from experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers? How does this relate to the idea of spring cleaning for the soul? [38:40]
3. How does the sermon interpret Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-29 to find rest? What does it mean to take Jesus’ yoke upon us, and how does this provide rest for our souls? [44:18]
4. The sermon mentions the curse of restlessness introduced by sin. How does this concept help explain the human condition of always searching but never being satisfied? [41:28]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel restless or unsatisfied? How can you begin to clear out the clutter to find rest in God? [41:28]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being still before God. What practical steps can you take this week to incorporate moments of stillness and reflection into your daily routine? [47:49]
3. Consider your current approach to generosity. How can you align your giving with the biblical principle of receiving joy, peace, and meaning? What specific actions can you take to be more generous this week? [12:46]
4. Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest. What burdens are you currently carrying that you need to bring to Jesus? How can you practically lay these burdens down at His feet? [44:18]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of reflecting on God’s goodness. Take a moment to list three ways God has been good to you recently. How can this reflection bring rest to your soul? [56:20]
6. How can you intentionally wait for God in your daily life, especially in moments of stress or anxiety? What might this look like practically for you? [51:17]
7. The sermon encourages us to realign our lives with God’s grace. What specific changes do you need to make in your life to move away from the hustle and hurry of the world? [01:02:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity as a Path to Joy
Generosity is more than just an act of giving; it is a profound expression of worship that brings joy, peace, and meaning to our lives. When we give generously, we align ourselves with God's work, participating in His mission and experiencing the joy that comes from knowing we are contributing to something greater than ourselves. Proverbs 11:24 reminds us that those who give generously receive more, not necessarily in material wealth, but in the richness of spirit and fulfillment. Through our giving, we become part of God's work, like the recent baptisms at the Sanchez Prison Campus, and we find peace knowing God is our provider. [12:46]
"One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." — Proverbs 11:24 (ESV)
Reflection: Consider a specific way you can give generously this week, whether through time, resources, or encouragement. How can this act of generosity bring you closer to experiencing God's joy and peace?
Day 2: The Soul's Need for Rest
We are not merely bodies with souls; we are souls with bodies, and our souls require rest to thrive. The clutter of life can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus offers. True rest is found in God alone, and we must intentionally clear out the distractions and busyness that hinder us from this rest. Jesus offers us a rich, meaningful life, but the clutter of life can hinder us from experiencing it fully. By prioritizing rest for our souls, we open ourselves to the abundant life God intends for us. [38:40]
"For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.'" — Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life that feels cluttered or overwhelming. What practical steps can you take today to create space for your soul to rest in God's presence?
Day 3: Overcoming the Curse of Restlessness
The restlessness introduced by sin leaves us feeling like wanderers, always searching but never satisfied. We often seek rest in vacations or hobbies, but true rest for our souls comes from God. To find this rest, we must clear out the clutter and distractions that keep us from experiencing God's peace. By doing so, we align our lives with God's grace, moving away from the hustle and hurry of the world. This rest is not just for our bodies but for our souls, providing a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. [41:28]
"Thus says the LORD: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.'" — Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment of restlessness in your life. What underlying needs or desires were you trying to fulfill, and how can you seek God's rest instead?
Day 4: The Power of Being Still Before God
To find rest, we must be still before God, acknowledging that He is in control. This discipline allows us to purify our souls and find peace, preventing burnout and helping us live a life aligned with God's grace. Being still before God means setting aside time to quiet our minds and hearts, waiting for Him, and reflecting on His goodness. In this stillness, we come to know God deeply, beyond the busyness of life, and find the rest our souls long for. [47:49]
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" — Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to be still before God. What distractions do you need to set aside to fully engage in this time of stillness and reflection?
Day 5: Reflecting on God's Goodness
Reflecting on God's goodness reminds us of His faithfulness and provision, even in difficult times. As we do this, we align our lives with God's grace, moving away from the hustle and hurry of the world. By repenting and turning towards God's way, we find peace, hope, and joy, living a life driven by His goodness. This reflection brings rest to our souls, aligning us with His grace and allowing us to experience the fullness of life He offers. [56:20]
"Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" — Psalm 34:8 (ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on a specific instance of God's goodness in your life. How can this reflection inspire you to trust Him more deeply and align your life with His grace?
Quotes
"You know, one of the things that's really important or a very vital part of our worship is not just when we sing. It's not just when we learn from God's Word and fellowship together. Those are all important parts of worship. But also, our giving is worship. And one of our pastors was sharing something with me and with our team about that this week. And I wanted to share with you what happens in our lives when we give and we give generously." [00:18:48]
"But what our Pastor Oscar from our Northeast Campus was really pointing out, I think is summarized in Proverbs 11, verse 24. Check this out. But when you give generously, God's Word says, Those who give generously receive more, but those who are stingy with what is appropriate will grow needy. Those who are generous, who give generously, receive more. What does that mean? More money? Maybe more vacation time? Maybe more, you know, stuff that I want or more time with my hobbies? Well, maybe that might be part of it." [00:20:08]
"Think of how you get, through your giving, you get more joy because you see what God is doing in the life of the church and in our community and in the world. You get to see what God is doing through our church, through your giving, and you get more joy out of that. For example, yesterday at our Sanchez Prison Campus, we got to baptize 13 guys there behind bars, 13 men in white who went public with their faith in Jesus, and how bold and courageous of them to do that." [00:22:19]
"Jesus said that he came to give us fullness of life, a rich, meaningful life of joy and purpose. And yet the clutter of life can so easily get in the way of that. Most of us probably have some junk in our lives that we need to get rid of. And so what we're going to do today and next Sunday is talk about how to do some spring cleaning of the soul, how to get rid of, clear out some things in your soul that chip away at your peace and get in the way of you becoming who God made you to be and living the life that God wants you to live." [00:35:24]
"When your body dies, your soul will live on forever, either with the Lord or apart from his love. The core of every person, the essence of every person is our soul. And we even see that in scripture. We see that from the start of humanity. When God created the very first human beings, when he created Adam, the first human, look how it was described in Genesis chapter two, verse seven, scripture says, then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils, the breath of life." [00:36:39]
"In fact, if you read on for yourself in the next chapter, Genesis 4, we see that the curse caused those very first humans to spend the rest of their days like restless wanderers on earth. And don't we feel like that at times, like restless wanderers in life? Like we're always searching for something but never quite finding it. We're interested in everything but seem to be satisfied by nothing. We're constantly on overdrive. And so we try to find rest for our bodies through a vacation or through hobbies or we live for the next three-day weekend, right? But we never really find rest for our souls." [00:40:05]
"Listen, God does not want you to live that way. God did not make you to live that way. God promises rest for his people. But first, we have to clear out a lot of the clutter that gets in the way of us enjoying that rest. So where do we find rest for our souls? Where do we find the rest that we need? Let me tell you something that is true. I know this through and through and through. There's only one place to find the rest that you really need in life." [00:42:05]
"My soul, inwardly, internally, the essence, the core of who I am, only finds rest in God. Salvation from a frazzled, stressed, over-busy, restless, packed full life comes from God. There's no person. There's no thing. No experience. No vacation. No amount of education, no amount of money, no dream home, nothing outside of God that can really bring rest at the core of who we are. You and I were made to rest only in God." [00:42:56]
"The Lord said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. Weary and burdened, not just in your body, but in your heart and your soul. That you're stressed out. You find it difficult to be loving. You find it difficult to shut your mind down at night. Your soul is overwhelmed and tense and anxious. And Jesus says to you, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." [00:43:35]
"That's why Psalm 46 verse 10 tells us very simply, says, be still and know that I am God. Be still. It doesn't say be busy and know that I am God. It doesn't say be overworked and overwhelmed and know that I am God. It doesn't say be productive, be productive, be anxious, be all worked up on the inside and know that I am God. It says, be still, stop, pause, wait, and know, not just knowing your head, but knowing your soul that God is supreme, that God is glorious, that God reigns, that God is in control, that God is good, that God is love, that God can be trusted, that God is your provider and sustainer." [00:45:46]
"Think of it this way. Have you ever been around a kid that just won't sit still, right? Right now, that's our little girl. She's almost two. That's her life, right? They fidget, they move, they kick. You've probably seen a kid like that at a restaurant or a movie theater. Maybe some of your own kids are like that, right? And you see a kid like that, and sometimes it just makes you want to say, hey, just stop it. Can't you just sit down? Can't you just be still? I'm giving you to the count of three, right? One, two. Don't make me pull this car over. What are we doing when we say those things? We're telling them, be still. And listen, sometimes you have to say that to your soul." [00:46:46]
"Some of our souls are too busy, but no more. It's time to do some spring cleaning. It's time to make the decision right now, this very moment, that you're no longer going to let yourself be driven by the desires and needs and demands and the ways of society. that as followers of Jesus, we will let our souls be driven by the goodness of God. Be still before God. Wait patiently for him. Reflect on his goodness." [01:03:14]
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