Searching For Summer
June 23, 2024
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
—Psalm 19:1-4One would expect that vacation would dramatically reduce the number of people reporting tiredness, but instead there was an increase. Clearly, vacations are fraught with obstacles to sleep and relaxation, and the problems often begin before you leave home. —Dr. Roger Cadieux
ESCAPISIM
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.
31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” —Mark 6:30-31
HOW TO REST TO THE GLORY OF GOD THIS SUMMER
1.) ENJOY GOD’S GOOD GIFTS
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. —James 1:17
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. —1 Timothy 6:17
ENJOYING WHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP
9“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? 10 Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not!
11 So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him. —Matthew 7:9-11
2.) EMBRACE THE PURPOSE OF REST
32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases.
He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”
38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. —Mark 1:32-39
THE PURPOSE OF RESTING IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN IS NOT TO ESCAPE FROM REALITY BUT RATHER TO RENEW OUR STRENGTH FOR THE MISSION.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. —1 Corinthians 15:58
3.) REST IS A PERSON NOT A PLACE
JUST LIKE YOUR BODY NEEDS TO REST YOUR SOUL NEEDS TO REST.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28-30
YOU WILL NEVER FIND TRUE REST UNTIL YOU REST IN JESUS.