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BREAD FOR THE JOURNEY BLOG@ Rhythms of Grace: a Journey into RestSustenance for the journey into rest and peace
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THIS SERIES: WHEN IT'S GOOD TO CHANGE YOUR MIND: A LOOK AT PSALM 23 Despite the relative prosperity in the western world, with labour-saving gadgets, paid holiday-leave, and shorter working hours than our ancestors, stress is a huge health issue in our society. The Burnout Report 2025, published by Mental Health UK, has shown that stress levels are on the rise compared to 2024, with a staggering 91% of respondents reporting that they have been experiencing high or extreme levels of stress in the past year. The report also highlights a growing generational divide, with 18-24-year-olds being the most affected. The main triggers for stress identified included heavy workloads (47%), job security concerns (38%), poor sleep (61%), money worries (49%), poor physical health (42%), feeling isolated (39%), personal relationships (32%), and caring responsibilities (27%). And of course, anxiety about global instability is increasing anxiety across the board. Similar patterns, or worse, are being reported right across the world. People are in desperate need of an answer. And sometimes it is no better in church circles; dedication to the Lord is frequently measured by commitment to church programmes (wherever did we get that idea?); and sadly, burnt-out (and disillusioned) Christians can be found in every city. We were called, however, to the long haul, not a short sprint. If we really are to run the course laid out for us, we need to invest in a more healthy rhythm of living. The answer to stress is rest; one of the great themes of Scripture (and the focus of this website). Biblical rest is all about laying down our own efforts, our need to control, and finding that place of trust and peace in the Lord’s provision—in all its aspects. It’s not just about physical rest, (although this is important), but the cessation of toil, the striving to produce, perform or control outcomes. Our life in God is one which is supposed to well up from within, the natural consequence of the Spirit living in us, rather than from pressure exerted on us from outside. Stress will always be with us—and is not necessarily a bad thing—it is how we respond to it that is really important, and understanding the breadth of the Lord's provision is vital. You can read more about this on God's Promise of Provision page of the website. BE RESTORED But we also need to take time to stop and be restored… The ‘still waters’ described in this verse of Psalm 23 denote ‘a resting place’ in Hebrew. David’s experience of rest was characterised by stillness and quiet. We live in a noisy world; machinery, traffic noise, smartphones and advertising—and many of us are continually plugged in to surround-sound which keeps us from hearing the still small voice which desires to minister to our souls and spirits. We need to take time out to be quiet in His Presence. The word for 'restore' here means ‘turning back’; the Lord’s plan is always to realign us with His truth, to bring peace to our minds, wills and emotions by putting us back in step with the manufacturer’s instructions. And it’s not surprising that in the imagery of this Psalm the resting place is by water. Water in the Bible is continually pictured as therapeutic and life-giving, the means to cleansing, refreshment, restoration, healing and Life. Perhaps in the UK we have had rather too much water over the past few weeks, but let’s not allow that to spoil the imagery. Perhaps when the rains have stopped and the floods receded, when spring really breaks forth, we can take some time out around our beautiful coast, rivers and lakes, meet the Lord there and enjoy the therapeutic effects of creation. But until then, let’s take the time to meet the Lord anywhere it’s warm and dry, and allow Him to refresh and restore us. And let's realign ourselves with His truth by declaring it over ourselves, (see previous posts in this series...)
Let’s respond to Jesus’ invitation to step aside with Him: Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. [Matthew 11: 28-30 The Message Translation] THIS WEEK’S GRACE RHYTHM:
NEXT WEEK: 4. WALKING RIGHT Righteousness is a person... GET IN TOUCH!
[Photo credits: Peter Campbell Smith (canal): Davide Baraldi (mailbox) @ Unsplash, with thanks;
and my apologies to the owner of the lake photo--I have mislaid your details, but thank you anyway]
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