Introduction:
In a world that constantly demands more of us—our time, energy, and focus—it’s easy to feel worn down and restless. Yet, Jesus offers us a profound invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, not just to come and find initial rest but to remain in His rest, a soul-level refreshment that sustains us.
This rest isn’t about escaping life’s challenges but abiding in Christ, exchanging our burdens for His yoke, and allowing His gentleness to lead us into true peace. In this sacred place of abiding, we discover the richness of His Word—a place where our hearts are nourished, our minds are renewed, and our spirits are refreshed.
In this study, we’ll explore what it means to live in the divine rest Jesus offers, the foundation that makes this rest possible, and how the Word of God invites us to deeper intimacy with Him. Together, let’s journey into the secret place, feasting on His truth and delighting in the joy of His presence.
The Invitation
The words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28 are an invitation to come into the place of divine rest, a washing of regeneration. Yet, we often overlook the second rest He mentions in Matthew 11:29:
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” — Matthew 11:29
Here, Jesus speaks of a continuous rest—a soul-level nourishment from abiding in Him. This is the rest found when we abide in the secret place, exchanging our burdens for the yoke of Christ. This rest doesn't omit life’s challenges; instead, it allows us to navigate through the uncertainties of being one with Him.
The Foundation for Our Rest
Before we explore the rest further, let’s review the foundation for our inheritance.
The Father placed us in Christ at the cross, and a divine exchange occurred. The Apostle Paul writes: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” — Romans 6:3
In Christ’s death, we, too, died. And as He rose, we were raised with Him: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” — Colossians 3:1
Even more, we are now seated with Him:“[He] raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” — Ephesians 2:6
These truths anchor us in the reality of His rest. It is not something we strive to attain; it is our inheritance, given through His finished work. It is no longer we who live, but Christ living in us: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” — Galatians 2:20
This verse is one of my favorites because it encapsulates the Gospel: Christ in us is the victory. By faith, we trust in His work; through that trust, we live the abundant life He promised. We don’t strive to enter rest; we are born into it through Christ. The fight is to remain there. His Rest becomes our dwelling place, and we abide as we feast on His Word.
Find Rest & Refreshment: The Word
The Word of God is where we find rest and delight. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we are cleansed, refreshed, and drawn into the heart of Christ. In seeking Him through His Word, we shift our focus from self-occupation to Christ-occupation, aligning our hearts with His.
We begin to understand His great love for us from eternity past. I don't want us to miss this: the Word has existed for eternity, and the Word is God. And in Christ, the Word became flesh so that we might encounter Him personally and come to know Him intimately.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14
God never was a Man. He didn't need to become one for Him; He became one for us. Cling tightly to this vital truth. Ponder the reality that Jesus is at the Father’s right hand, not in Spirit but in the flesh. He bears the scars our sin placed on Him. What a privilege it is to be called the children of God, to have this access to Him, and be blessed with His continual presence. We can encounter more of Him as we delve into the word.
Throughout the pages of the Bible, we see Him, His character, movements, thoughts, plans, what delights Him, and even what hurts His heart. How awesome is that? The Creator of the Universe delights in us knowing Him, and in coming to know Him, we find rest.
Reflection
1. Reflect on John 1:14. How does the truth that the Word became flesh deepen your understanding of Jesus’ love and sacrifice?
2. In what ways can you shift from self-occupation to Christ-occupation? Write one practical step you can take today to align your heart with His.
The Benefits of Resting in His Word
Soaking in the Word of God brings life and healing.
“For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.” — Proverbs 4:22.
As I sat down to write this, I noticed and hope you will also notice that find, is a key theme. The word of God is more than words on a page. It is the Living God; that being said, His word is living and active. As we read His word, we discover Him, and eternal life is revealed.
The key is whether we will pursue Him with the same passion as He pursues us. His word is only life to those who “find them.” I looked up the word find in Hebrew is māṣāʾ the most common use is ‘to explore thoroughly, to learn or gain knowledge, to achieve a state, implying a discovery or unfolding process’.
There is something significant about the state of our hearts when we intentionally decide to pursue Him. It involves a posture that, while possibly skeptical, remains curious and open. There is a willingness in our coming, a readiness to receive. We will not be disappointed; the Lord will ensure that we leave satisfied as we feast on the word.
And please take Proverbs 4:22 to heart, for the Lord our God means them. His word is life and health, not only to our spirit but to our flesh.
Reflection
1. What areas of your life need the life-giving power of His Word? Write a prayer asking for His restoration in those areas.
2. How can you embrace stillness this week to soak in His Word? Create a plan for a quiet time with a specific passage.
The Joy in Meditation
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” — Jeremiah 15:16
Friends, when we intentionally seek Jesus in the Scriptures, we find Him, and as we immerse ourselves in His Word, we are transformed. Instead of treating the Word like fast food, let’s slow down and “chew the cud,” savoring every bite.
For example, if you read a devotional in the morning, take one verse with you throughout the day. Reflect on each word, speak with the Lord about it, and write down any resonating insights or impressions. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to look up certain words in Hebrew or Greek, but the key is to dwell in the Word until it stirs joy within your heart.
Let the Word move you—ponder, meditate, and allow it to shape your thoughts. Contemplate it deeply, even “dance” with it, until it aligns your heart with the Father’s.
There is a great blessing in drawing from the Scriptures morning till night; they transform how we see the world, shifting our perspective to align with God’s perfect reality. As we meditate on His Word, our steps are ordered, and where they are ordered, blessings follow.
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” — Joshua 1:8
Reflection
1. What Scriptures have brought you joy recently? Reflect on why they impacted your heart.
2. What does meditating on the Word day and night look like in your life? How can you cultivate this habit?
Stability, Blessing, and Prosperity
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”—2 Corinthians 3:18
One of the most precious promises in all of Scripture is that we are conformed to His likeness as we behold Him. What an immense blessing! Friends, this word is fantastic and, at the same time, holds a warning—we become what we behold. Therefore, let go of the world, it is vain, and empty. The things of the world are shiny, but they are temporary.
Instead, we are invited to come and be captivated by His loveliness. Jesus is sweet, honey from the rock, refreshing water that quenches our deepest thirst. Come and behold Him in the words of the Bible.
Cease your striving and abide in the Vine where the richness of His person overtakes us and be transformed.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.” — Psalm 1:2-3
A life rooted in God’s Word is like a tree firmly planted by streams of living water—nourished, stable, and fruitful. Meditating on Scripture produces growth and spiritual prosperity, allowing us to flourish in every season. When our delight is in the Lord, we draw sustenance from Him and bear the kind of fruit that will be fragrant throughout eternity.
Reflection
1. Where do you feel deeply planted and nourished by God? Are there areas where you sense a need for deeper roots?
2. What fruit do you long to see in your life? How might meditating on God’s Word help you grow in that area?
The Scriptures invite us into a life of stability and blessing. Let’s meditate on His Word day and night, allowing it to shape us, sustain us, and guide us into the prosperity of His perfect will.
Call to Action
We’ve spent much time discussing the Word of God, but I want to leave us with a word of caution. There may come a time, as in past generations, when there is a famine in the land—not of physical food, but of something far more critical: a famine of the Word of God.
Often, people imagine such a famine as Bibles being confiscated or restrictions on speaking about Jesus due to persecution. While this is possible, there is an even more insidious famine occurring today—one brought about by distraction, hurry, and the relentless busyness of life.
It’s hard to meditate on God’s Word when we’re constantly scrolling, liking, and commenting on posts. Many have developed such short attention spans that reading anything over 60 seconds feels impossible. This alarming trend leads to two things: spiritual adultery or idolatry and spiritual anemia.
May this not be said of us. We must walk in step with the Spirit by intentionally hearing and seeking the Lord. Take a break from the noise and find rest in Him. Let His Word refresh and restore you. I urge you to take this to heart:
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” — Isaiah 55:6
Reflection
1. What does seeking Him look like for you right now? Write about a time when you actively sought Him and the result of that pursuit.
2. What distractions might be keeping you from calling on the Lord? Write one way you can redirect your focus.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father,
It is only by Your grace that we have intimate knowledge of You. Thank You for loving us and placing Your word in our hands and our hearts. We are grateful, ever so grateful to hold Light and Life. As we complete our journey today, may we be curious and develop a hunger for more of You.
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” — Psalm 119:18
Amen.
Reflection
1. Reflect on Psalm 119:18. What wondrous things has God revealed to you recently? Write them down as a thanksgiving prayer.
2. Write a prayer asking God to deepen your hunger for His Word, including specific areas where you seek greater growth and insight.
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