Most people consider that they only get rest when they sleep, but our mind is busy even while we snore. Dreams are made of thoughts that are tucked in filing cabinets within our mind. To give our souls a rest, we not only cease working, planning, or worrying, but what is essential for soul rest is God’s holy presence. “You should know that you yourselves are God’s temple. God’s Spirit lives in you.” 1 Corinthians 3:16 Remember, reflect, and journal those times you felt the train of the Lord’s Holy, Holy, Holy robe fill thy temple and fill you with His glory. Isaiah 6 – Remember that you are in a relationship with the pure Holy Spirit who is everpresent. He waits to be acknowledged, to be engaged to minister to you. Even as we were still sinning, rebelling, ignoring His presence, He never departed, He remains in our midst. “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8 When we take time to examine our hearts and confess are woeful ways, we are blessed. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 Taking time to humble ourselves, to stop, be stilled, be in awe as we tremble and confess our lack of faith, trust and reliance on Him — we in turn are once again filled with His refreshing, we are renewed with His rest for our souls. After Jesus was buried in the tomb, in three days He walked out and told His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit. Today we have His holy presence available to us 24/7 – and we must be still and wait for the Holy Spirit to renew us. We can pick the day, time and place to tarry with the Lord, for as long as we like. I am retired so my days of labor or work days are cancelled, but I can still worry with the best in our whacked out world. Enjoying corporate worship on Sundays, and fellowshipping with the saints over lunch is good, but it does not necessarily bring me into the soul renewing presence of the Lord for as long as I need. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10.

“Arise, shine, for Thy light is some, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:1 Our Father invites us to enter into His presence and be renewed in body, mind and soul. Be still and trust His promises. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overtake you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:2

Jesus said “Come to Me, all who lavor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rst. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus does not instruct the weary to sleep more, or grab another Starbucks. He invites us to be stilled by His holy Presence where we find soul rest. Mary Magdalene never read the Bible, attended church, or sang in a choir — but she determined to follow the One who healed her, who gave her soul rest. Nicodemus, a scholar of God’s word allowed his education get in the way. Nic loved his life, his wife, and his position too much to lose it. But then we have Matthew who felt empty even though he had acquired great wealth and prominence, so when Jesus said “Follow Me” Matthew walked away from all he had. Simon wondered why the Jews suffered and his impatience caused him to be eager to see Jesus conquer his Roman oppressors. Mary simply followed Jesus, she entered the sanctuary of His physical presence with gratitude, not grumbling. Our God, King of the Universe, Jesus Christ dispatched the Holy Spirit to comfort us and give us rest. Go to a quiet place and receive Him.

Our Father knows us, He created us and because He is gracious to us, He tells us to take a break. Soul rest or relief does not come by way of a vacation, or an afternoon with friends instead of working. Soul rest comes from the holy presence of God. Our Lord knows that you don’t need a vacation, or another night out on the town. Our Father invites us to come to Him, and when we obey, He provides the rest we need. The One who knows the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:30) The One who keeps track of your tears (Psalm 56:8) The One who transforms challenges into blessings (Romans 5:8) says “Come” and when we do, we experience His peace, divine restorative rest “in Him”. Called by Name

The Hebrew meaning of Sabbath means to stop working. Every Friday people across the globe celebrate Shabbat, a time to remember God and all His blessings and promises. The fourth commandment tells us “The Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8 Our Father’s primary intention behind this command is to give our souls a rest.