It’s unbelievable but, here we are, just a few days before Summer 2017 begins! The staff will soon be in Joplin, along with hundreds of students and leaders.

As we prepare for projects and logistics and loads of ministry, I am also taking time to prepare my heart. I want to approach this summer with a heart that is rested, a heart that is at rest in the promises of God.

What is spiritual rest?

I’ve been praying through and thinking about what this means and what it can look like for the summer. I have been focusing on Hebrews 4 and these verses in particular:

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience” – Hebrews 4:9-12

Here’s my conclusion on what spiritual rest is: resting in who I am in Christ. Resting in Jesus to do the work of changing hearts and lives. Resting because it’s healing and necessary.

Spiritual rest is Sabbath rest.

The rest we enter into with God is the rest of trusting in His sovereignty. My work doesn’t prove my own strength and worthiness, it proves God’s strength. He is doing all of the work in people’s lives.

Spiritual rest happens when we joyfully work for the Lord, trusting He is working through us and making things happen.

This is what I am praying for as the summer approaches. I want to rest in the knowledge and experience I’ve had with His goodness. He is doing the work. I will be faithful to do His work and I will be faithful in resting in His promises.