Read Genesis 1:1 - Genesis 2:3
"By the seventh day God had finished he work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2
God modeled rest for us, and then in Exodus we see that resting is one of the ten commandments.
Read Exodus 20:8-11
Jesus also demonstrated the importance of rest when he would withdraw from the crowds.
"he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place" from Matthew 14:13
"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." Luke 5:16
DISCUSSION:
-Why is it important for us to have regular rhythms of rest?
-Rob talked about warning signs. What are your signs that you are running too fast and need to incorporate rest into your life?
-What signs have yo possibly been ignoring or moving too fast to notice?
Rest is a gift. Life with God is not about doing more, accomplishing great things, or earning God's good graces.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
You need emotional rest, physical rest, and your soul needs rest.
DISCUSSION:
-What practical things can you do or eliminate that will give you rest and create margin in your life?
When you learn to rest a peace settles in and is followed by overwhelming gratitude. You learn to slow down and take in God's goodness.
DISCUSSION:
-What are you grateful for?
-What difference could it make in the lives of those around you if you were more present, more rested, more grateful, and had more margin in your life?