Rolling waves, sandy beaches, chirping crickets, and outdoor picnics are synonyms for summer. The months mean lazy days at the pool, snow cones at the park, and fireflies in the backyard.
The seasonal longing for a pause tugs at us; we ache for rest with a capital R to be a part of the bargain. However, if we are not careful, the fulfillment will elude us like the fireflies themselves, and autumn will arrive with a refueled exhaustion as its companion.
Does one have to go on a treasure hunt to discover summer’s secret to rest? No.
God has taught me that a distinct difference exists between relief and rest. To uncover the gift of this much-needed rest, we must take a long look at its competitor, relief. Care and discernment must be exercised to avoid confusing the two.
Relief is a release from pressure. We find relief when we engage in exercise, talk to a friend, read a book, bake a batch of cookies, or work in the flowerbed. We recognize relief when a problem is solved, a relationship is restored, and circumstances improve.
—However—
Rest is a supernatural quality of life that comes from Jesus alone. You and I discover true and genuine rest when we turn to Jesus to fill the wellspring of our souls. And Jesus offers a quality of life here that can transform — not just our summers — but our entire sojourn on earth.
3 Characteristics of Rest
1. Rest is found when we allow our souls to be nourished in the Presence of Jesus and in the life-giving Words from His Scriptures. (If you will, when we sit and soak.)
2. Rest accompanies a prayer that prays, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” in every area of our lives. (If you will, when we submit.)
3. Rest becomes ours when we exchange places and allow Him to take His rightful position on the throne of our hearts. (If you will, when we release ourselves to become 1000% His.)
May this Summer 2025 bring you the deep, abiding, nourishing rest which your soul so desperately desires. May you drink in the Words of David in Psalm 62:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him." (a statement)
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him." (a command)
Living With Eternal Intentionality®
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)
What are the differences between relief and rest?
What is my go-to for relief?
Where do I pursue relief when what I truly need is rest?
Where does my soul find rest?
For further soul nourishment, consider Matthew 18:28-29.
