Resting, Not Running

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

–Matthew 11:28

Several years ago, when I was cleaning out some old files, I came across a list of goals I had made for myself in November 1984. The goals were specific: the size church I wanted to pastor, how many books I wanted to write, and so on. As I looked over those goals, I realized I could check off every single one. I was overwhelmed by gratitude to God for allowing me to achieve those goals–but also amazement that I still wasn’t satisfied. I was focused not on what I already had but on people who had more than I did and people who’d done more than I’d done. That’s why you should never depend on outward circumstances for your inward happiness.

There’s a popular parable that goes like this: “Every morning in Africa when the sun comes up, a gazelle awakens and knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will perish. Every morning in Africa when the sun comes up, a lion awakens and knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will go hungry. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a gazelle or a lion–every morning in Africa when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”

That’s the tenor of our age, isn’t it? We feel like we have to keep running, chasing after things we think will make us happy. What are you chasing? A certain amount of money in your investment portfolio? A certain size home? A certain position in your company? A degree? A relationship? There’s nothing wrong with working toward those things–unless you’re under the delusion that achieving that goal will satisfy you. The fact is, none of those things can provide lasting satisfaction.

Instead of running, wouldn’t you rather be resting? In Matthew 11:28, Jesus promised, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Too many Christians read those words and think, That’s a sweet thought, Jesus, and in heaven, I’ll be able to rest for eternity. But You don’t understand my life right now. I have to keep running just to keep up.

You don’t have to wait until you die to rest. Jesus said to stop chasing the money, the job title, the relationship, or the dream that will never satisfy. Instead, learn the secret of contentment. God has given you everything you need to enjoy life.

Today’s devotion is adapted from “Developing a Content Heart” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2008.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.