Rest is a pesky four letter word that frustrates me because I don’t do it well. I openly admit to being a type-A, task driven, list making, perfectionist. I blame my personality for my inability to rest and relax.
How can I write about rest when this concept eludes me? I scribble in my prayer journal, “Lord, teach me to rest. Amen.”
The next morning, I awoke with two words on my mind: Rest Note. “Lord, is rest note your answer to my prayer?” Adding hazelnut creamer to a cup of liquid mercy, I ponder the meaning of rest note.
Familiar words of rest flood my mind:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28, NIV)
I found this treasure in the Message version:
“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, Message, emphasis mine)
God is serious about rest. He chiseled in stone this note to rest: “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. You shall do no work. Neither you, nor your son or daughter…nor you animals” (Exodus 20:6, 10, NIV). God himself did not need to rest, however He provided rest for us to watch and learn.
The words “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” swirl in my mind, dancing in colorful tune. Perhaps, the words rest note referred to a musical rest note, not just God’s commandment.
A rest note is a musical symbol that indicates when to pause. A rest note is of equal value to other musical notes. A beautifully crafted song will possess dynamic notes and strategically placed rests.
In life and in a musical piece, a rest allows the listener to process the each musical phrase before the next piece begins. God is teaching me the importance of rest, pausing to process God’s hand as He orchestrates unforced rhythms of grace.
What area do you need to rest with God?
Swaying to the rhythm of grace,
~April
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