Freedom in Rest

This week we’ve explored the concept of freedom. Perhaps the most powerful way to live in freedom is to fully embrace and walk in the freely given, loving grace of God. Grace is the opposite of striving. We cannot earn, we cannot attain, we cannot achieve, ultimately, the one thing our souls most long for: nearness to God. The beauty of the gospel is that He knew it. And he solved for it. He came near, by his grace alone, and made a way in the person, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What amazing grace.

So as we come to the end of another week in this strange new way of working, we call you to rest. To be thankful. To ask God to teach you to rest. Although we labor, and do so as if working for the Lord, we do not labor for our salvation or to find our ultimate purpose. We cannot work our way to freedom. No, that part is found only in surrender, not striving. Only in submission, not sacrifice. Only in rest, not work. 

This weekend, make time to rest in God’s love. Thank him for his goodness. Enjoy his creation. Spend time with family. Spend time alone. Find a quiet spot to marvel in the sunset tonight. But whatever you do, rest in freedom.

Lord, help us to be ever-mindful of your gift of grace, and the rest it brings to our souls.

To kick it off, take a listen to this great rendition of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by our friend Sara Groves who was on our Signs of Life Podcast last week!

 

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Joel & Jeff