March 14, 2025 Devo

One of the names given to Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.” In Matthew 11, He gives us this wonderful invitation: “Come to me all of you who are weary and heavy with burden, and I will give you rest.” As our Good Shepherd, He doesn’t want us to stress, strain, or struggle. He wants us to live at a pace that is sustainable, endurable, and comfortable. He also invites us to take time to stop completely and just rest.
That’s not easy for us. Many of us live our lives at a frantic pace. We’re sprinting from one thing to the next. Sometimes, even when we get the opportunity to slow down, we don’t. If we’re honest, we get addicted to the adrenaline. When we’re busy, we feel productive. Even when we’re not. When we’re rushing, we feel as if we’re “doing something.” Even when that “something” is running in circles. When we’re rushing from one thing to the next, we feel as if we’re controlling things. But we’re not. Things are controlling us. Soon, we end up exhausted, frustrated, and spent. I think God has a better plan for us than that.
I invite you to rest today. I invite you to withdraw from the rat race for a few minutes and let the rats run without you. Pause. Let go. Breathe. Sit with God for a moment, and ask Him to help you slow down. Ask Him to lift all of the heavy burdens you’re carrying. Surrender the control of your out-of-control life to Him. Let God wrap His arms of love around you, and for just a few moments, put the full weight of your life upon Him. Let His Word feed your soul. Let His Spirit renew your strength. Let His Presence flood over you. You will re-engage life again. You will get busy again. All of those things that need to get done will be there when you’re ready. But not right NOW. For THIS moment, drink from the waters that only He can provide. A well-rested soul is a HEALTHY soul. A well-rested mind is a CREATIVE mind. A well-rested body is a PRODUCTIVE body. Take a few moments to enjoy God’s green meadows and peaceful streams. Remind yourself that sometimes, faster is not better. Remember that often it’s not the obstacles on our journey that kill us. It’s the pace. How’s YOURS? That’s God’s Word for you today.