Hebrews 4:1 "Therefore, since the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it."
Isaiah 40:30-31 "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
How much sleep do you get on a regular basis? Chances are, the answer is "Not enough!" According to a study performed by the CDC, more than one-third of Americans are not getting seven or more hours a night. So, why is getting enough rest so difficult? Could it be because our culture is all about "the next?" When will my NEXT paycheck come? What will my NEXT career move be? Will I be able to pay tuition NEXT year? What will my child be doing NEXT year for school?
When we focus too much on the NEXT rather than the NOW, it can cause us a lot of unnecessary anxiety and pain. It clouds our judgment and keeps us from living out our best today. So how do we find true rest amid a life that pushes us to think we must have everything figured out in advance? We pause and remember the life-giving Source who directs our course - Jesus. In Him, we find true rest because He's already in tomorrow and He's got it covered!
The "next" time you begin to worry, stop in the "now" and remember that Jesus is ready today to equip you for all that may come tomorrow. He holds your life in the palm of His hand and will guide you through whatever is "next." Today, find rest in Him and renew your strength, run and do not grow weary, walk and do not be faint!
Take out a piece of paper and write today's date at the top. List the top three anxieties that are robbing you today. Beside each concern, write a corresponding Scripture verse that speaks truth to it. (Here are a few to get you started: Isaiah 40:30-31, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34, Hebrews 13:6, Joshua 1:9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28). When you find yourself worrying throughout the day, take out that paper and say those Scriptures aloud as a declaration of your commitment to rest in Christ.
Dear God, help me to rest in the NOW. Remind me that I can trust You with each second of every day on this earth. I choose to not worry about what tomorrow will bring, but focus on the things You want to show me today. Amen.