Finding True Rest in God: A Spiritual Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound concept of rest as outlined in Psalm 46 and the teachings of Jesus. The essence of the message is that true rest is found in God, and it is both a natural and spiritual principle. We explored the idea that the Sabbath is not just a day of the week but a way of living in constant communion with God. This rest is not merely the absence of activity but the absence of striving and struggling. Jesus invites us to come to Him, to take His yoke, and to learn from Him, promising that we will find rest for our souls. This rest is foundational for fruitful labor, both physically and spiritually.
We also discussed the importance of being still and knowing God, as stated in Psalm 46:10. This stillness allows us to hear God's voice and understand His will for our lives. The story of Mallory's "dee-dah day" dance illustrated how we often miss moments of joy and celebration because we are too preoccupied with our tasks. By giving ourselves downtime, we become more fully present and able to experience the joy that God offers in every moment.
In the New Covenant, rest is about abiding in Christ. Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. Our primary responsibility is to stay connected to Him. This connection allows His life to flow into us, resulting in natural fruitfulness. The Father, as the vine dresser, prunes us to increase our fruitfulness. This pruning, though sometimes uncomfortable, is a reward for our existing fruitfulness and leads to even greater growth.
We were reminded that our identity as children of God comes from abiding in Him, not from our works. The Christian life is lived from a place of rest, where all our activities flow naturally from our relationship with God. This rest is a posture of trust and reliance on Jesus' finished work on the cross, freeing us from the performance-oriented mindset of the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Principle of Rest: True rest is found in God and is both a natural and spiritual principle. It is not merely the absence of activity but the absence of striving and struggling. Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls, which is foundational for fruitful labor. [01:18]
2. Being Still and Knowing God: Psalm 46:10 emphasizes the importance of being still to know God. This stillness allows us to hear God's voice and understand His will. By giving ourselves downtime, we become more fully present and able to experience the joy that God offers in every moment. [05:58]
3. Abiding in Christ: In the New Covenant, rest is about abiding in Christ. Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. Our primary responsibility is to stay connected to Him, allowing His life to flow into us, resulting in natural fruitfulness. [08:15]
4. The Role of Pruning: The Father, as the vine dresser, prunes us to increase our fruitfulness. This pruning, though sometimes uncomfortable, is a reward for our existing fruitfulness and leads to even greater growth. It is during our times of abiding that we are most susceptible to this pruning. [33:56]
5. Identity and Activity: Our identity as children of God comes from abiding in Him, not from our works. The Christian life is lived from a place of rest, where all our activities flow naturally from our relationship with God. This rest is a posture of trust and reliance on Jesus' finished work on the cross. [45:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Introduction to Rest
[02:34] - The Spirit Behind the Sabbath
[03:32] - Healing Prayer for Dorothy
[05:58] - Be Still and Know
[07:12] - Invitation from Jesus
[08:15] - Yoking with Jesus
[11:14] - The Dimension of Rest
[13:17] - Balance Between Rest and Work
[15:04] - The Dee-Dah Day Dance
[19:58] - Living Fully Present
[21:08] - The Sabbath Principle
[22:43] - Man's First Full Day
[23:37] - Resting to Work
[25:33] - Abiding and Fruitfulness
[29:26] - The Father's Pruning
[33:56] - Pruning and Growth
[35:56] - Pruned by the Word
[37:11] - Jesus Pruning the Disciples
[40:22] - Our Job Description
[45:31] - Identity and Activity
[47:07] - Living from Rest
[49:17] - Performance vs. Grace
[51:10] - Jesus Paid It All
[54:37] - Intentional Rest
[56:44] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
2. Matthew 11:28-30 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
3. John 15:1-5 - "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 46:10, what are we encouraged to do to know that God is God? ([05:58])
2. In Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him and take His yoke? ([08:15])
3. What is the role of the Father as described in John 15:1-2, and what does He do to the branches that bear fruit? ([29:26])
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of rest in relation to our identity and activities as Christians? ([45:31])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "be still" and how can this practice help us understand God's will for our lives? ([05:58])
2. How does Jesus' invitation to take His yoke upon us differ from the burdens we often carry in our daily lives? ([08:15])
3. Why is the process of pruning, as described in John 15, essential for spiritual growth and fruitfulness? ([33:56])
4. How does abiding in Christ redefine our understanding of rest and work in the Christian life? ([45:31])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there moments when you can practice being still to know God better? How can you incorporate this into your life? ([05:58])
2. Jesus invites us to take His yoke and find rest. What are some practical steps you can take to accept this invitation and let go of your burdens? ([08:15])
3. Think about a time when you felt spiritually pruned. How did that experience lead to greater growth and fruitfulness in your life? ([33:56])
4. How can you ensure that your identity as a child of God is rooted in abiding in Him rather than in your works or achievements? ([45:31])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of being fully present and experiencing joy in every moment. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from being fully present, and how can you address them? ([19:58])
6. Are you currently resting from work or resting to work? How can you shift your perspective to see rest as a preparation for fruitful labor? ([23:37])
7. How can you be intentional about choosing rest and abiding in Christ amidst the busyness of life? What specific actions can you take this week to prioritize this? ([54:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Rest in God, Not in Striving
True rest is found in God and is both a natural and spiritual principle. It is not merely the absence of activity but the absence of striving and struggling. Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls, which is foundational for fruitful labor. This rest is a gift from God, allowing us to cease our endless striving and trust in His provision and care. When we rest in God, we acknowledge that our efforts alone are insufficient and that we need His strength and guidance.
Jesus' invitation to take His yoke upon us and learn from Him is a call to a life of dependence on Him. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light because He carries the weight of our struggles. By accepting His invitation, we find a deeper, more fulfilling rest that rejuvenates our souls and prepares us for the work He has set before us. This rest is not a one-time event but a continual practice of surrendering our burdens to Him and trusting in His finished work on the cross. [01:18]
Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV): "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. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’"
Reflection: What areas of your life are you striving and struggling in? How can you surrender these areas to God and trust in His provision and care today?
Day 2: Be Still and Know God
Psalm 46:10 emphasizes the importance of being still to know God. This stillness allows us to hear God's voice and understand His will. By giving ourselves downtime, we become more fully present and able to experience the joy that God offers in every moment. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to become consumed with tasks and responsibilities, missing the moments of joy and celebration that God places in our path.
Being still before God is an act of faith, acknowledging that He is in control and that we can trust Him with our lives. It is in these moments of stillness that we can hear His voice more clearly and gain a deeper understanding of His will for us. By intentionally setting aside time to be still, we create space for God to speak and for us to listen, leading to a more intimate relationship with Him. [05:58]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "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.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally set aside time to be still before God? How can you create space in your daily routine to hear His voice and understand His will for your life?
Day 3: Abiding in Christ
In the New Covenant, rest is about abiding in Christ. Jesus is the true vine, and we are the branches. Our primary responsibility is to stay connected to Him, allowing His life to flow into us, resulting in natural fruitfulness. This connection is vital for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in the work God has called us to do. When we abide in Christ, His life and power flow through us, enabling us to bear fruit that glorifies God.
Abiding in Christ means maintaining a close, personal relationship with Him through prayer, reading the Word, and obedience to His commands. It is through this abiding that we receive the nourishment and strength we need to live out our faith. As we remain in Him, we experience the fullness of His love and grace, which empowers us to live a life that reflects His character and brings glory to His name. [08:15]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: What practices help you stay connected to Christ daily? How can you prioritize these practices to ensure you are abiding in Him and bearing fruit in your life?
Day 4: Embracing the Father's Pruning
The Father, as the vine dresser, prunes us to increase our fruitfulness. This pruning, though sometimes uncomfortable, is a reward for our existing fruitfulness and leads to even greater growth. It is during our times of abiding that we are most susceptible to this pruning. God's pruning process involves removing anything in our lives that hinders our growth and effectiveness, allowing us to become more fruitful in His kingdom.
Pruning can be a painful process, as it often involves letting go of things we hold dear or making difficult changes in our lives. However, it is through this process that we become more like Christ and are better equipped to fulfill His purposes. Embracing the Father's pruning means trusting in His wisdom and love, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory. [33:56]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Reflection: What areas of your life might God be pruning right now? How can you embrace this process and trust in His wisdom and love, even when it is uncomfortable?
Day 5: Identity and Activity from a Place of Rest
Our identity as children of God comes from abiding in Him, not from our works. The Christian life is lived from a place of rest, where all our activities flow naturally from our relationship with God. This rest is a posture of trust and reliance on Jesus' finished work on the cross, freeing us from the performance-oriented mindset of the world. When we understand that our worth and identity are rooted in Christ, we can live and serve from a place of security and peace.
Living from a place of rest means recognizing that our value is not determined by our achievements or the approval of others, but by our relationship with God. It is from this place of rest that we can engage in meaningful and fruitful work, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God. This perspective frees us from the pressure to perform and allows us to serve with joy and gratitude. [45:31]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you approach your daily activities and responsibilities? What steps can you take to live and serve from a place of rest and trust in God's love and acceptance?
Quotes
1. "The Christian life is only difficult when we make it difficult. Paul warned a church, he said, he warned them from about leaving. The simplicity that there is in Christ. You're not part of a religion. You're part of a family. You've been adopted into a family as sons and daughters. And there are rhythms in the kingdom. And as we learn to flow with those rhythms, things get easier. And there truly is an amazing dimension." [11:14] (53 seconds)
2. "Are you resting from work, or are you resting to work? Are you resting because you're exhausted from working, or are you resting to launch into effective work? Does your rest propel you into fruitful labor, or does your work cause you to have to rest? We're talking about the rhythms of heaven. We're talking about the rhythms of the kingdom, getting in flow with the kingdom." [24:37] (45 seconds)
3. "We were created to work from rest, not rest from work. We were created to work from the place of rest not rest out of exhaustion from work if i violate that principle long enough if i refuse to slow down and rest it will send me into forced times and seasons of rest because i'm sick or i have some kind of a breakdown physical mental because god did not create me to go go go he knows how he made me he knows what i need." [25:33] (44 seconds)
4. "The rest of God is found in the rest of God. The Christian life is lived from a place of rest. Now, this place of rest, I guess what I'm trying to say, it's not actually an absence of activity, but it is the absence of struggling and striving. In fact, there is activity that flows from this place. Out of rest comes labor. Out of abiding comes fruitfulness. All of the activity of the kingdom flows from this place of rest. It flows from this a posture of rest." [47:07] (44 seconds)
5. "Christianity is God reaching down to man and saying, let me show you why I created you. Let me show you who you really are. Let me show you the purpose that I have for your life. And see, I think because we live in a performance-oriented culture, it's very easy for that to slip into our Christianity. We've talked about this before, but what I mean is our whole culture is based on performance. School based on performance. Your grade, the ability to go to another grade, based on performance. You get out in the workforce based on performance." [49:17] (56 seconds)
6. "Jesus Christ is my Sabbath. And in him, I rest. He said, come to me and I'll give you rest. In him, I rest. And out of that place of rest, his life works through me. The Holy Spirit can work through me and do the things that I need to do. And I'm learning the absolute necessity of abiding in him. I'm learning the absolute necessity of abiding in him. And I'm learning the absolute necessity of the kingdom. I'm not over here trying to do it in the flesh." [54:37] (24 seconds)
7. "Busyness is an enemy of intimacy. The tyranny of the urgent. There's always something to do. There is always something that tries to go after our attention. Don't let it steal this place of rest in God. Guard it voraciously. Guard it voraciously. Did I say that word right? Wow, that's amazing. So this simple illustration, thanks for leaving that up, James, of the semicircle with the pendulum is to remind us to live in kingdom rhythm. To live in this rhythm of rest to work. This rhythm of abiding to fruitfulness. Of pruning to growth. Of being his son, his daughter, to doing the works of the kingdom." [54:37] (59 seconds)
8. "Jesus is saying, yoke up with me, and I will show you the rhythms of the kingdom. Let me set your pace of life, and I promise you, you will find rest for your souls, and you will come into your greatest season of fruitfulness. Without any effort, in the flesh. The flesh just gets in the way. So, Father, we acknowledge our need for you. Jesus, we are choosing to be intentional about abiding in you." [56:44] (37 seconds)
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