Daily Journal: 5 December

Rest with Intent

Sometimes we are called into a time of rest by God. A time where we know He is saying, "Stop. Stop striving. Stop over-extending yourself. Stop moving in your own strength. Stop having expectations that I haven’t placed on you."

Resting in those times proves our need to rely on God for all things. It shows that the heart of God listens to the need in our heart and responds. It shows we are willing to rest with intent; the intent to see God's intent revealed.

Hebrews 4:9-11 (NLT)

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labours, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

When we enter that rest when God calls, we know God is doing a deeper work. A work for us to be healed and freed, to gain new understanding and insight. A time for us to draw nearer to Him and let Him teach us things we haven’t seen yet; to pray for things He wants to unfold. It’s a special time. A personal time. A time to trust Him as Father and Lord. Lover-of-my-soul. King of kings.

Psalm 73:26 (NCV)

My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever.

God calls us into a secret place to renew us and restore places long devastated. This isn't a lethargic rest. This is a rest with intent.

Psalm 62:1-2 (TLB)

I stand silently before the Lord, waiting for him to rescue me. For salvation comes from him alone. Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defence and fortress. Why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?

This rest is a salvation

It is God-appointed so, afterward, we can move forward in the fullness He calls us to.

Hebrews 4:15 (NASB)

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,

This time of rest is to remember repentance is at its foundation; to let go of the old; to recognise disbelief and wrong-held beliefs that don’t honour God’s name and character, nor the creation He’s made us to be.

Exodus 33:14 (NET)

 And the Lord said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

God’s Presence works things out in our lives in a way we cannot dictate. We must rest without guilt.

This rest is a transition through repentance to intercession to carry new wineskins.

This rest carries a deep spiritual work, in which we are not burdened, nor do things in our own strength. It is a rest which leads us to the promises God has for us.

Have you laid your desires down? Have you decided to rest in Him so He can reveal His will to you?

Lord God, so often we don't even realise what we're doing or what we're carrying. We think one thing while doing another. Will you give us clarity to see what you want us to do? Will you lead us and help us to follow in willing and earnest obedience? Thank you.