Rooted - Rest

The end of summer and the transition to fall can be a very busy. Ministries, schools, family obligations and the rhythm of our society all seem to pick up during this time of year. It is a season in which time spent caring for your soul can easily be crowed out. Given this reality, it seems like the perfect time to contemplate the ideas of rest and your capacity to enter it.

Meditation - Take a few moments to slowly read the following passage over several times. Let each reading help focus your heart and mind on the word or thought which stands out to you. Ask yourself: What might the Holy Spirit desire to speak to me from this passage? How does my heart react to what I have heard?

“Come to me, all 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.” – Matthew 11:28-30

Exploration – Take the balance of the hour to explore with God in prayer the following prompts. Do not rush. Allow the space necessary to listen for the still small voice of God. Do not feel like you have to complete every prompt. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to the places He would desire to explore with you. Talk to him about what you discover as you follow him into these places.

Where do you feel as if you are laboring in your life and relationship with God?
What burdens are you carrying which cause you to feel heavy laden?
What in your external world keeps you from entering the rest Jesus offers to give?
What in your internal world keeps you from entering this rest?
In light of these things, what do you think Jesus would desire to teach you?
Imagine what would be different if you were able to walk in Jesus’ easy yoke?
What would it mean for you to find rest for your soul?