Ahh… Rest.

June 7, 2023

The hammock at the Bed & Breakfast looked so inviting.

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To be totally transparent, I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than a few minutes in a hammock. I did try one once after helping a friend put up supports for their hammock. It wasn’t bad, just a little difficult for me to maneuver in and out of the hammock. That was probably because I didn’t have anyone experienced to show me the right way (this was many years ago).

I am sure, based on feedback from others who have spent hours lounging in hammocks that the payoff of learning to get in and out is well worth the effort. We have a hammock that we take camping with us, and I’ve never even put it up while camping. My wife and daughter use it when they go camping and say it is very relaxing.

Hammocks are supposed to give you more natural support for your back when sleeping. The ability to gently sway in a hammock is also said to help you relax (think of a baby rocking in their cradle). You can find more about sleeping in hammocks here.

If you are tired, overworked, frustrated, or just out of sorts, like I sometimes get, easing into a hammock may be just the thing you need.

You also may need a spiritual hammock.

During Jesus’ ministry on earth, the religious rulers of the day instituted many rules and regulations of the faith. People wanted to be close to God. They wanted to experience God’s peace and comfort. Unfortunately, due to pride and selfishness, those religious rulers made the experience painful by forcing all of those legalistic laws onto people.

Jesus came to do away with those laws.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

He wasn’t necessarily talking about physical rest. He talked about spiritual rest. Our walk with Jesus is not intended to be burdensome and difficult. Sure, like getting into a hammock, you have to be intentional to get to Jesus. You must believe in His virgin birth, death, and resurrection. You must accept His free gift of salvation. As a result, you will want to separate yourself from the world’s view of pointing to yourself.

But those actions are not oppressive or difficult. They are surrendering ourselves to the freedom Jesus offers. Freedom from the hold that sin has on us. When we refuse to accept Jesus and His lordship in our lives, we stay in a fitful state. One that wants something much more but can never seem to find it.

We stay in a state of unrest.

Jesus offers rest. Rest for our souls. He provides peace, strength, and comfort that we can’t find in other endeavors—no matter how successful or in control we think we are.

If you are weary or burdened from trying to do life on your own, take Jesus up on His offer. Go to Him. Accept Him and the rest He offers.

If you are currently resting in Him, maybe you can find a way to encourage others to enjoy His rest.