Sanctified Relaxing by Keith Cook
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." Psalms 35:5, 7
Most of us want to do something all the time. Resting and relaxing are even frowned upon by some in our culture. While being lazy is a sin, the Bible does speak concerning the need for God directed resting. God wants all of us to learn how to rest in Him. This is what I call "sanctified relaxing." During these times you actually are renewing your strength and charging your spiritual batteries.
How To Rest
Lay it all down - Get honest and open up to Christ. You can not hide from Jesus. True rest will soon follow if you will admit you have needs you can not meet on your own. Why not invite the Creator of your life to instruct you how to live your life.
Close your eyes - Taking your eyes off the ways of the world and turning your back on sin will lead to a life of rest in Christ.
Enjoy the time - Enjoy trusting in Jesus and letting Him take care of your every need.
Dream - When you rest God will fill your mind and heart with dreams of what He has in store for you. The great thing about God directed dreams is that they are more like prophecy of things to come. Dreams should excite us about our future and inspire us to live on to see the completion of those dreams.
Awake Refreshed - True resting in Christ produces a refreshed and relaxed attitude and spirit. Being fully alive in Christ will lead to great victories over the Devil.
Signs You Are Not Resting - How Not To Rest
Worry - When you worry you allow the Devil and chance to dictate the pace of your life. You actually hand control of your life over to your main adversary. The Devil actually wants toharm you. His main goal is to bring God down in your eyes and bring you down in God's eyes. Do not allow worry to rob you of victory.
Fear - Fear is faith in the Devil, this is the ultimate expression of not trusting in Christ.
Deny - Denying that you have a need to rest and let go of your troubles is a real sign of spiritual decay and a humanistic mindset. Going it alone or avoiding looking at problems and life through God's eyes always leads to ruin.
Holding On - Holding on to the trials, problems, activities, or the day will keep you from resting. When you have done all you can do to stand, stand, Relax and trust the Lord to take care of the opportunities of your life.
Benefits of Resting
1. You Renew Your Strength
2. Reflecting On Challenges Produces Confidence
3. Remembering Who Is In Control Assures Success
Go ahead and take a "sanctified slumber party" today. Take a load off your spirit and put it on the Holy Spirit. Rest in knowing that Jesus is working tirelessly on your behalf.
Daily Prayer Focus: Ask God to search your heart today: Are you truly Resting in Him, or are there signs of worry, fear, denial, or holding on. Pray that God will enable you to release these areas and walk in step with His perfect plan.
On The Go Prayer Focus: On The Go Ministry Supporters. It takes teamwork to make the dream work! Our ministry supporters have made commitments to play a vital part of our team through praying, sharing, caring, going, and growing. As our GoTeam ministers in Jamaica this week, would you serve as a Ministry Supporter by praying for our team that God will open doors and change hearts and lives for His glory.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion For March 24, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
Copyright (c) 2003, 2013 On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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