The Rest Of Your LifeSample

Jesus Slept

Sometimes we are ashamed of our tiredness. We try and stifle our yawns and hide our flu symptoms, sneak some medication and carry on. But we all need physical rest. Sometimes we need a proper Jesus-style nap. 

One of the most incredibly human and yet supernatural stories we read about Jesus is found in our Bible story for today. Here, we see Jesus asleep on a cushion in the midst of a furious tempest. The Son of God takes a nap in the middle of a crisis. (Don’t you just love Him?!) He knew He was tired BUT He also knew He was completely safe! 

This is a winning combination. The knowledge that I am tired AND safe allows me to rest. 

I know that for many people sleep during the day can seem like a weird luxury, even lazy. But it can be just what we need. Denying ourselves rest is not virtuous, but can be an act of pride. And you know what? If Jesus did it, so can we.

I don’t know what you are like when you are tired. When I’m in need of rest I can be short-fused, prone to high emotion and unable to be truly grateful. God knows that I am not that nice to be around when I need sleep! So, He gave me permission, through this simple story, that even in the middle of crazy times in my life, to grab a pillow and REST!

As we come to the end of this devotional perhaps you need to ask yourself some questions:

• Am I in need of physical rest right now? 
• What am I doing about that?

Psalm 62:5 says, “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.” 

Many of us try and complicate this, but rest is actually pretty simple. It is about waiting quietly and putting our hope where it belongs – in HIM.

As we come to the end of this study time together I will leave you with Hebrews 13: 5 (AMPC):

“…Be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”