You know that contented feeling you get when you’ve eaten a really sustaining, well-cooked meal? Your body rests knowing that it’s life-giving energy stores have been replenished.
Replenishing also happens when we feed on God’s word and in His presence. Jesus called himself the “bread of life”, and advised us not to waste our money and time on food that does not satisfy. In actual fact He asks us to instead feed on Him continually.
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)
There are many pastimes and pursuits in which we can try to replenish our life. Some are even beneficial, (like taking time out, and making time to enjoy life), and some aren’t. However we have been created with a need and deep desire within the very core of our being to commune with God, and with heaven. When we seek Him, and take every opportunity to know God deeply, something happens on the inside of us. Our hearts, minds, spirits, and even our bodies are quickened, restored and replenished with the life of God.
Jesus said, “I’m telling you the most solemn and sober truth now: Whoever believes in me has real life, eternal life. I am the Bread of Life. Your ancestors ate the manna bread in the desert and died. But now here is Bread that truly comes down out of heaven. Anyone eating this Bread will not die, ever. I am the Bread—living Bread!—who came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats this Bread will live—and forever! The Bread that I present to the world so that it can eat and live is myself, this flesh-and-blood self.” (John 6:48-51 Message)
In a world of diets, calorie counting, and the latest advice of what to eat, and what not to eat, Jesus says “come feast on me”. Feast on my presence, get fat on my word, and watch and experience for yourself the change and difference it will make. When we get “fat” on Jesus, and abide in Him and allow His words to abide and rest in our thought and hearts, that “fatness will in actual fact break off every yoke, burden, addiction, bad habit and limitation in our life. No wonder Jesus says to feast. He knows what will happen when we do, and the freedom it will bring.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 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 11:27-29)
We get to the point where we find a place of rest, knowing that we have everything we need, and that God really is with us. When we rest in Jesus and allow His word to rest in us the result is a bit like resting back after a good meal, and knowing it’s doing its job to keep us healthy and full of energy and life.
Today, rest in Jesus and His promises for your life. Search them out in the bible if you need to, and let them dwell and abide richly in you. His words and presence will give you sustenance and strength, and cause you to grow fat in your spirit so that every yoke and burden will be broken off.
“Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives.” (Colossians 3:16 Message)
“In that day their burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat. “(Isaiah 10:27 NIV)
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. And you have been made complete in Him” (Colossians 2:10)
Prayer: Lord please help me to rest in you and your promises for my life, and that I will understand that I have all I need in you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
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