Exchange Your Restlessness for God’s Peace by Rick Warren

“It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest” (Psalm 127:2 TLB).

Did you know that sheep don’t like to lie down? They don’t. And we’re just like them! However, if you don’t slow down, God will make you lie down.

God’s way—taking time to rest—is not just the right way; it’s also the only healthy way.

Psalm 127:2 says, “It is senseless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, fearing you will starve to death; for God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest” (TLB).

God wants you to give up your tendency to roam, to wander, to veer off course. Restlessness leads to exhaustion—physical fatigue, emotional fatigue, spiritual fatigue. You need more than sleep to cure those last two.

One of the Hebrew names of God is Jehovah Shalom. Shalom means peace. Jehovah Shalom means “I am the God of peace.” Jesus says in John 14:27, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (NLT).

If God says, “I’m offering you a gift of peace,” he means it. It’s not something you have to work for. It’s not something you deserve. It’s not something you beg for. Peace has nothing to do with problem-free living. It is simply a gift that you must choose to accept, and it’s available to you today.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message).

Jesus said that when you follow him, he would lighten your load. You can rest in his promise!

Talk It Over

How is it possible to have peace in the midst of your problems?
Taking a nap might be the most spiritual thing you can do today. What keeps you from being able to take the rest you need, even if it is just a short rest?
Confess to God what’s caused you to overwork so that you can be blessed instead of stressed.

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