Finding Rest

“I’m so stressed! I have volleyball practice for two hours after school, homework in every class, and I have to study for my test tomorrow. I won’t get to bed until after midnight!” We live in a fast-paced world, and we’re asked to make a lot of decisions in the few short years of our teenage lives. We’re suddenly expected to be mature and adult-like, even if we aren’t ready, and every choice has a ripple effect into the future. We have to juggle school, extracurriculars, friends, family—how could we have time to rest? We need to build a résumé! To succeed! While those things are important, Jesus has a different message. He faced a similarly busy world, but when the chaos and to-do list closed around Him, He left early in the morning to pray. And, after God created the universe, He rested, later giving instructions to His people to set apart a day every week to rest and take a break from our work. If God takes a day of rest, this shows how important it is for us to as well! No matter how busy your life might be or how long your to-do list is, take time to find rEsther It might be reading a Bible passage, taking some time to pray, being still for a few minutes outside, or some other restful or fun activity. Then, take a full day off to rest—to reconnect with God and your church family. You might feel less productive, but that rest is the key to finding renewed energy as you begin a new week. In Christ, you can truly rest because your salvation is secure—you are held in His promises no matter what you do or don’t get done (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Abby Ciona • Do you get overwhelmed with your to-do list? In the pursuit of perfection? Read Ephesians 2:8-10. If our faith is in Christ, why can we rest from trying to be perfect? • Read Luke 10:38-42. What does Jesus say to Martha about her priorities and worries? How can you find rest in Him amidst the busyness of life? Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rEsther ” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Exodus 20:8-11; Mark 1:35; Luke 10:38-42; Hebrews 4:1-11