Chill out, dude

I envy people who know how to ‘chill’ meaning, to let things go, to enjoy doing nothing, to be placid!  Born with a  classic ‘type A’ personality, I am driven by a nagging sense of responsibility that seldom goes away.  One project flows into the next and I am quick to analyze how I could have done better.  A ‘day off’ is not really a day of rest for me. I keep connected to the church or  find something that needs to be done at home.  The Spirit whispered to me several times this week, “Jerry, this is not my plan. I give rest to those who trust Me.”  The realization came to me in a new way that God desires to lead me into a life of maximum effectiveness, not a life of perpetual stress!  It’s not that the Lord wants me to give in to apathy. He calls me to work with Him.

Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt, had a huge responsibility. One day in prayer, he complained about the work, claiming that God was asking too much of him.  "The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14, NIV)  The leader of Israel did have a big job!  But, he also had a great God who was not asking him to do it alone.  If Moses lived faithfully, God’s Presence would keep him from exhaustion.  When we read his story, we see moments when Moses forgot his True Strength was in the Lord and in those times he grew impatient and angry.

Are you wound up, full of tension, trying to do the impossible? Are you feeling high levels of stress about your Christianity, feeling like you’re not ‘doing enough,’ or failing to serve in a way that is effective, or not mastering some sinful habit that cripples you spiritually?

The answer is not to work harder, but to learn to rest. Jesus says, "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, NIV)  Before we take up our work, He asks us to come to Him.  It’s like a visit with the Boss to learn what He wants done and what His plans are.  Then, He invites us to work, but not alone.  He works with us and sets the pace that keeps us from becoming overwhelmed.

Take this word from the Word to heart today.  "If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? " (Psalm 127:1-2, The Message)