We have been exploring the sacred contradiction known as rest. We’re learning to live into it as invitation rather than simply obligation. modeling, after Jesus rhythm of retreat, often withdrawing to lonely places and embracing his permission to do the same. We also looked at encouraging yourself in the Lord being affirmed in your son or daughter ship before you ever produce a thing, strengthening yourself in His presence and living a life as sons of encouragement, overflowing into your family, friends, community, and leadership in the marketplace.
But, just like you, I didn’t start off as a leader. Oh no, I cut my teeth as a paper, boy, a grocery bagger and then in the summers in between college I worked it a couple of the factories that dotted the landscape of my southern Indiana home.
Those factories were hot, sweaty and ridiculously dangerous. Southern Indiana is known on the world stage as a manufacture of various types of furniture. There was literally death at every turn with extraordinary heat, sharp objects, and heavy pieces that seem to be waiting to crush every limb or appendage. Because of this, There were safety signs posted everywhere. In fact, it was difficult to walk a few feet without seeing some kind of safety alert posted on the wall or hanging from the ceilings. Safety first was an important part of working in that environment, disregarding safety, either because of carelessness or naïveté, could lead to incredible problems, injury, or even death. But understanding how safety applied to those factories meant you could walk freely in the environment without fear.
So what in the world does this have to do with rest. well, in our model of rest, retreat, and encouragement safety is a huge part of creating a healthy lifestyle. Finding safety and refuge in the Lord and creating communities of vulnerability, will allow you the freedom to effectively lead, and serve with others. but like we’ve said, before, everything starts with your son ship as AW Tozer has said what comes into your mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you. If you see God as a cruel taskmaster or an angry father waiting to crush your hopes and dreams at every turn, then the reality is that you don’t feel secure with God. You will find yourself withholding, not confessing, and living in an unhealthy fear of this most loving and gracious God.
In the faith tradition that I grew up in, painted on the ceiling of the place where we attended Sunday morning church was a giant mosaic of a bearded old man that was supposed to depict God. Religion was an obligation for me back then, and I had no personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ so every time I sat in that particular building and looked up at that angry, bearded depiction. All I could think was he knows he knows he knows of my sins he knows of my shortcomings. He knows of my lies, and he is incredibly angry with me. I have no idea what the artist real intent was but for a young boy like me, it’s solidified that I need to hide from this angry, bearded old man, and work hard to live a life of secrecy avoiding all contact with this frightening character that was supposedly God.
as silly as it sounds, some of us still have that image of an always angry God. We may have been taught that or absorbed that idea through the example of our parents or the church environment that we experienced. and we may still to this day try to hide away from God for fear of angry repercussions.
My friends, let me set you free from this unhealthy image of God he is not angry with you. He’s not mad at you He is loving, and patient filled with grace and mercy. Moving in your lives with tenderness and care. In fact, he loves you so much that while you were still a sinner, he sent his son to take upon himself all of your shame, all of your sin, all of your wrongdoing so that you could experience a deep and intimate relationship with him he is not a God that is far off. He is a God that is near gifting you with his Holy Spirit so that you can walk in freedom with him as you renew your minds and move closer to the lover of your souls. You will find that there is nothing and I do mean nothing that can separate you from the love of God. you will find that as you move closer in intimacy with him and confess your sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive you of all unrighteousness, you will find that he provides you with places of retreat, so that you can be filled with his encouragement.
He will hide you in the cleft of the rock, hold you in the palm of his hand, and provide safety against all of your enemies.
When you start to experience safety and security with a father, intimacy with his son and the comforting counsel that comes from the Holy Spirit, you will approach each day with a newfound hope.