The Lord's House Community Church

Breathing Room

Scripture

Matthew 11:29-30 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, andyou  will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Genesis 2:2,3 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on thes eventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Mark 6:30-32 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Thought for Today

Today’s devotional is intended as a reminder to take a break from the busyness of everyday life. Often, when we take time for ourselves, the enemy tries to invade us with feelings of guilt. The tactics of the devil are no surprise. He is relentless in his futile attempts to disrupt our peace. However, sometimes we simply forget to slow down the pace at which we move. 

Christian life is filled to overflowing with maintaining a home life, serving the church, and making a living. In the course of a normal day, these responsibilities leave little time for respite. Permit yourself to carve out time exclusively for rest and relaxation. Let’s look at what God’s Word says about leaving room to breathe.

In the first scripture, The Lord tells you to learn from Him and find rest in your soul. Following Jesus does not result in a life that is unyielding and joyless. On the contrary, serving Jesus relieves heavy burdens so that you may live rested in Him. The 23rd Psalm says God makes you lie down in a serene environment of green pastures alongside still, peaceful water. The inference is that He compels you to pull away and enjoy the beauty of His creation. 

God knows that humans need to rejuvenate regularly. He set the pattern for cycles of work and rest when He created the heavens and earth. He paused from forming them and blessed the seventh day. He then sanctified the day because in it He rested from all His work (Genesis 2:3). He considered the day hallowed and instituted the Sabbath (Hebrew for rest) observance for His people. 

The Creator did not take a rest because He was tired. He set the example for balancing some of the greatest work you’ll ever do with moments of rest. So-called “down-time” is a resting and reflection period. It’s also a time to look back on all of the things God helped you accomplish. You can enjoy the fruit of your labor and thank the Lord for allowing you to finish.

God inspired every scripture in the bible (2 Timothy 3:16). Each verse gives us insight into the His mind. This includes musical verses, which demonstrate how pausing is needed to create harmony. 

For example, the Hebrew word Selah is found in the bible 74 times, mostly in the book of Psalms. In 31 instances, the title “to the musical director or choirmaster” is in the heading of the Psalm. 

Saleh appears at the end of a verse or chapter between one thought and another. For these reasons, it is generally accepted that the word Saleh is a musical term suggesting a pause in the melody (see Psalm 3). The Psalms are among the most read and comforting verses in scripture. We can use them as a lesson to take a hiatus from busy schedules and enjoy the melodies from heaven God provides.

Life is filled with trials and trouble. During a crisis, you can (and should) take a breather whenever possible. Space is needed, even a few moments, to rejuvenate your mind and emotions. Your thinking is clearer and your prayers more focused if you step away for a bit.

Jesus told the apostles to move away and settle themselves in the middle of two impactful events. John the Baptist had just been beheaded. The apostles met Jesus to tell Him what happened as crowds gathered to hear Him speak. The gentle Savior told them to come with Him to a quiet place. Jesus knew that the miracle of feeding the 5,000 lay just ahead. But He also knew that the apostles were upset, tired, and had not eaten. He invited them to dine with Him for a time of solitude and refreshing.

The Lord who loves you extends the same invitation. Find fellowship and rest with Him in hectic times or when life is moving at the speed of light. Listen for God’s prompting to give your mind and body a breather. Answer His call to relieve some of the pressures of this life. God won’t leave or forsake you. As He promised Moses, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Exodus 33:14).

 

It’s Time to Pray!

Father God, Thank You for inviting us to lay our heavy burdens upon You. We are grateful that You loveand  care for us. Remind us to answer when we are called to Your secret places of rest when we need it. May we use our rest time to gain strength to continue our lives in holiness and service to You. In the name of Jesus…Amen