We have been considering the favor of God’s presence. In His presence we can find a place of rest. God has made so many promises to help us and restore what has been lost. Life has a way of depleting us. Our schedules are hectic. Our relationships are messy. Our needs and the needs of others we care about are constant. Our bodies are changing. Our emotions are in conflict with our will. Everyone has high expectations. All of our material possessions need maintenance.
Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Where can we find rest? Have you ever said,“I am going to take a few days and just get a little rest?” You did it and what happened? Did you find that you actually were happy to get back to your routine? Rest is not sitting around doing nothing.
Jesus said: “Come to Me and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
We have been looking at the privilege of dwelling in God’s presence.
Jesus is telling us that we can find rest in Him.
Whatever you need can be found in God’s presence. He knows how to restore our souls. He knows how to refresh and renew us. He gives us the fullness of joy.
Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Then He said: “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.”
When your burden is more than you can bear, you can lay your heavy load down.
Jesus said: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Have you ever made a trade?
Maybe your old car was worn out and you needed to make a trade. Jesus is willing to make an exchange. He will take the old burden you bear and give you rest for your soul. You don’t have to carry that load, bring it to Jesus. He knows what to do with the things you have been carrying. He takes the load and heaviness out of your life.
There is a place of rest in God’s presence.
Exodus 33:14 NKJV And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
The holy and powerful God wants to draw you into His presence. There are so many wonderful blessings that this implies.
David said it like this.
Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
You can find rest in God’s presence. This is a place of favor and blessing. It is a place of renewal and healing. He gives us rest.
Isaiah 30:15 “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
This place of favor in God’s presence is a place of rest, quietness and confidence. The Lord has promised to give you His peace and strength in His presence. Jesus gave this command, “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.” In His presence is favor, grace, and mercy.
Psalm 16:11 NKJV You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Here is our challenge. We must learn to allow Him to lead us into places of rest. What joy it is to lay our burden down and find full joy and pleasure in His presence!
The Lord has given this invitation for you to find favor in God’s presence.
There are many benefits of entering this place with Him. He gives PEACE, COMFORT and REST! He gives SALVATION, HEALING, and JOY! During the Bible texts the word Selah is found 74 times. The word Selah is a suspension, interruption, or pause. It is a time out from what has been happening. Is that what you need? Jesus said come to Me and rest.
Today is Mother’s Day.
Many mothers are going through times of stress, difficulty, testing and trial. These things come from so many places. Some have been through a time of physical challenge, sickness, and difficulty. Some have children and family that is in great need. Today can be a SELAH moment for you.
God is able to show you His favor in His presence. He will give you rest.
