Sabbath

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” Matt.11:28.

To live stress free like Jesus, I must know who I am – the principle of identification; I must know who I am trying to please – the principle of dedication; I must know where I am coming from and where I am going – the principle of origination. I must make a habit of meditation. There have been times in prayer meetings where we have prayed to such intensity you would think the roof would come off and then suddenly everywhere goes hush [quiet] before God. If you notice in less than thirty seconds someone always has a need to pray aloud in tongues [speaks in tongue]. Stay quiet; just be still before God. We have an urge, a need even to create drama when God just wants you to be still.

The year has rolled into its second half and is rapidly progressing towards its end with happenings, hustle and bustle. However, in the face of all the stress that wants to encroach into your life, you must take time off to actually enjoy the little things of life and enjoy life. “The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught.  Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat” Matt.6:30-31. Jesus was able to survive all this stress because Jesus knew the Principle of Relaxation. Relaxation is not optional! This is a revelation for someone reading this today. Relaxation is compulsory! The reason that it was even compulsory is because God put it in the twelve commandments. It is called the Sabbath. Rest and recreation in life are not optional. You do not have a choice, God wants you to enjoy and it is not optional. For a long time I struggled with resting. Whenever I am resting I feel so guilty and I just want to get up and work again. I just needed to learn to breathe and remind myself that the world will go on without me. Some people actually think their business, or the people they are responsible for, cannot continue without them. Guess what, if you die today that business will go to a higher level. Maybe your wife will take over or perhaps someone you have been discipling will take over and take it higher. If you do not rest you will be rested. I am not preaching laziness and I am sure you know that. “Jesus came enjoying life” Matt.11:19 [Phillips]. Anytime you ignore any of these principles you are asking for tension, stress, and courting trouble. Jesus is inviting you to a stress free life [Matt.11:28]. Does that apply to you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I accept Your invitation, as I lay down all my burdens at You feet today, I declare that I find peace and rest in my life, in Jesus Name.