Finding Rest & Being Thankful

We can get so busy with life and all that comes with it that, at times, we can feel overwhelmed. Add to it the holiday season and all the busyness that comes with it and you’ve got a pretty good recipe for stress.

When we lose sight of our rest, we give up more than we realize...like peace and joy.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28 to come to Him to get our rest. Check out some various translations.

"All you who work hard! All you who carry heavy loads! Come to me! I will give you rest." - Worldwide English (New Testament)

‘Are you having a real struggle? Come to me! Are you carrying a big load on your back? Come to me – I’ll give you a rest! - New Testament for Everyone

"Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” - The Living Bible

Jesus wouldn't have talked about rest if it weren't important.

All you who work hard. All you who haven’t had a break and feel overwhelmed. All you who have lost a loved one. All you who have struggled. All of you. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you.” He said HE will give us rest. He will refresh us and renew our strength. He will give us relief from the circumstances of life. All we need to do is let Him do it. 

Whether no one has ever told you this or whether it's a reminder to you, know that...God sees you. God hears you. And God is with you, right now. God has been right next to you. He has seen every tear you've shed. He has heard every deep sigh of being overwhelmed. He has heard your cry of hurt. He has been there through it all...loving you through it all. And He has been patiently waiting for you to bring it to Him so that He can give you rest, relief, and strength.

We pray for all who see this. We pray that you can feel God's peace and love wrap around you. We pray for those who will have an empty seat at their table. We pray for those whose loved ones have gone to be with the Lord. We pray for new strength and peace to you.

We pray for those who feel completely drained and as though they cannot give any more of themselves. We pray for those who feel as though they can’t even continue with this life. We pray for a refreshing and renewal to each of you - that Holy Spirit reminds you of just how valuable you are. 

We pray that everything you have been fighting from the enemy will turn around for you, now, in the name of Jesus and your strength be renewed, your stamina be renewed. We pray a fresh outlook on the call God has placed on your life.

We pray all that in Jesus’s name. And we remind you that your attitude of gratitude will determine your altitude.

Remember, in the good times and the hard times, that God is with you. We always have something we can be grateful for. We always have something to thank God for, no matter what life looks or feels like. God is faithful. And when we show our thanksgiving to God, our focus shifts from the problem to the Problem-Solver.

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT