TWO DANGERS TO AVOID…

1. Too much withdrawal:  Devotion that does not issue in action is not real devotion. Prayer that does not issue in work is not real prayer.

2. Too much work: No man can work without rest; and no man can live the Christian life unless he gives himself time with God. How can we shoulder life’s burdens if we have no contact with Him who is the Lord of all good life? How can we do God’s work unless in God’s strength?  How can we receive that strength unless we seek in quietness and in loneliness the presence of God? We must never seek the fellowship of God in order to avoid the fellowship of men but in order to fit ourselves better for it. The rhythm of the Christian life is the alternate meeting with God in the secret place and serving men in the market place.

TWO TYPES OF REST…

1. Physical rest, to refresh the body: Such as a good night’s sleep, afternoon naps, vacations involving travel, dining with friends.  Benefits:  less stress, weight control, memory performance, overall good health.

2. Spiritual rest, to refresh the spirit: Such as a daily devotional period, special times devoted to prayer, meditation on God’s Word.  Benefits:  a closer walk with God, inner renewal, peace of mind. Warning: Neglect of this will surely make you a train wreck.

Body and soul both need periods of rest: The life of the Christian Is more of a marathon than a sprint…We need to have endurance lest we fall short of reaching our rest.

To reach our “Heavenly Rest”, we need both…

a. Diligence in serving the Lord;

b. Diligence in taking time to rest.

Some Christians fail to maintain a proper balance… a. Suffering physically as a result (e.g., poor health); b. Suffering spiritually as well (e.g., emotional and mental burn out)

As physical strength requires both exercise and rest, so it is with spiritual strength.   We can be thankful that in the wisdom of God there is to be opportunity for both…