Episode #19 What’s Driving You? – Rest More Resolution

Hey hey! I'm glad you're here and today we're starting a fun new series. Lots of us enter new calendar years with a "new year's resolution." We can resolve to grow in all sorts of areas, and some of the most common ones have to do with exercising more, eating better, getting healthy, or working hard at something that fell by the wayside. You don't really need me to tell you that, but if you have a resolution like that and you're passionate or excited about it, by all means, go for it!

For me, however, usually my new year's resolutions don't have the healthiest motivators. Usually, I'll pick those goals by picking at myself. I'll think about stuff I think I "should" do. I really should exercise, I don't like this part about my body. I really should eat better, I've been eating too much junk food.

For me, my past resolutions have always been about putting something else to do on my plate. Getting better. Doing better. Being better.

But as a Christian, I've been growing in my relationship with God for over 15 years now, and I've been a believer for over 30, and God has never once talked to me that kind of way. Even when he corrects and directs me, it's never "you should do this." It's an invitation to a better way.

But I put pressure on myself. I criticize myself for my shortcomings. I look at things that I think I should be better at or be able to handle by now, or be further along in, and push myself harder. Where I want to achieve, God often invites me to receive from him as only he can give. Where I try to self-improve, he invites me to partner with him as he does his transforming work in my life.

Instead of work more, try harder, be better, I'm resolving to enter this next year at a different pace and with a new perspective.

I believe God is inviting me, and that God is inviting you to rest.

Our Bible passage today is Matthew 11:28-30 in the New Living Translation. "Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

So in these next few episodes we're talking about a "Rest More Resolution" as we talk with God about entering the new year with peace, pace, and rest.

I have not idea where the concept of resolutions came from as we go into a new calendar year. But I'm flipping the script on mine. The drive to prove myself or improve myself never carries me very far, and often becomes a heavy burden. That same passage from Matthew 11 in the Message includes a powerful invitation. "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." The invitation to rest isn't a call to laziness. It's the opportunity to walk and work with God at his pace, motivated by what he invites us into.

You can accomplish big incredible goals in the year ahead. And also move with peace, pace, and rest. You can work well and rest more. The difference maker is often found in what we allow to drive our activities. Let's talk with God about it. Consider all that's in your hands, your plans, and your goals. Now ask God:

God, what's driving my goals and what you would have me do?

Maybe God will invite you to change some things. Or maybe he'll bring confirmation and encouragement that you're on a great path. If rest isn't part of your current planning, now's a great time to start talking with him about that too.

God, what's driving my goals and what you would have me do?

Have a good talk.

And if you've been encouraged by this content, please share it with a friend and help them grow in their conversational relationship with God too!

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