Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

I pray that you had a blessed and wonderful day of worship with your local church on the Lord’s Day. Continue to be blessed in the week ahead. Recently I was encouragement from a friend to take some time, relax, slow down and do nothing. That may seem exciting at first, but I have found it difficult to put into practice. You see, activity is a major part of who we are. If allowed, activities can consume all our time and energy and become what we are known for. Our activities can become our identity. The scripture passage encourages us to spend time with the Father to know Him and find real purpose and meaning for life. Jesus invites us to “Come…and I will give you rest.” Jesus understood how important identity was in life. He understood how hard people work to create an identity. He was challenged and questioned by Satan (Lk 4:3), religious leaders (Lk 22:66), and many others (Jn 10:24) about His identity. Jesus never lost sight of who He was or His purpose. He accepted and committed Himself to the purpose that the Father had sent Him (Jn 7:16) and doing the work of the Father, He was at peace and rest. My friend, Jesus is not asking us to cease from our labors, but “come unto Me (Jesus)” for purpose and meaning in all our labors and “He will direct your paths” (Prov 3:6). With Him and in His presence is where we find strength for the day and “rest” to continue for the days ahead. Dear friend, “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:6-7). What do you think is God purpose for your life? Come to Him and He “will give you rest” in your labor with Him. Father, thank You for the promise of rest in Your Son. In the blessed Name of Jesus. Amen.