Rested and Refreshed
Matthew 11:28
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
The devil has access to your emotions. His means of entrance is through your thought life. If he can strike your thoughts, he can alter your emotions. And this process is effective if you are weary, tired, and exhausted most of the time. You may be carrying a heavy load with your job, family, finances or just overwhelmed in your personal life. It’s extremely difficult to do everything simultaneously. And you’re probably moving really fast.
There’s a big problem with moving so fast. Doing too much at too fast of a pace causes you to be worn down, lose your focus, and affects your ability to see things the way they really are. You may even be getting emotional over unemotional issues and eventually your busyness leads to a breakdown in every area of your being (spirit, soul, body).
If this describes you, slow down!
When you feel overwhelmed, this is your key! Hear Jesus say, “Come to me”! This is a personal invitation to meet with Jesus. Notice that Jesus did not say that He would come to you. He wants you to make the first step. Jesus wants to make a trade with you. He desires to exchange His rest for your weariness. He promises to give you His rest. He wants to refresh you, strengthen you, recharge you, empower you, rejuvenate you and give you new energy!
Spending time with Jesus is not an option – it is the answer! Find a quiet place, quiet yourself, don't move too fast, tarry there awhile, and don’t leave until you receive refreshment. Once you stopped long enough to really rest in His presence, you’re finally in a position where you can really receive from Him!
How do you come to Jesus to make this exchange?
First you need to quiet yourself. Get silent. Cut your phone off. You may not know this but your phone does have an on/off button? Clear your mind. Be still. Once you have accomplished this easier said than done task, then begin to offer up thanks to God for what He has already done for you. Make a list of things that God has already provided. At that point, you will automatically transfer into worship. Adore Him. Praise Him. Worship Him. Sing. Dance. Rejoice in His presence. Then make your requests known to him. Ask what you will. And begin to thank Him in advance for answering your prayer.
Most people do not make time to get renewed in the presence of Jesus. You must schedule time to be alone with God. But you may be thinking I don’t have time. Well I have a question for you. What are you doing between the hours of 2-4 am? If your answer is sleeping, then I submit to you that you have time to make the exchange with Jesus. Give him your fatigue and He will give you His rest!