Peace & Rest > Strain & Stress

Strain and stress aren’t my friends.

They don’t help or bring out the best in me.

I don’t love them—and they certainly don’t love me.

When I’m full of strain and stress, I’m like a cracked-out squirrel on meth… needing an intervention.

Peace and rest are my friends.

They make a huge difference and bring out the best in me.

I love them—and they love me back.

When I’m full of peace and rest, I’m healthy and confident and strong… ready for anything.

God’s plan for us includes more peace and rest, not more strain and stress.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out?
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 ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn how to live…
freely and lightly.” —Jesus (Matthew 11.28-39 MSG)

The man (I call Scary Harry) in Luke 8 and Mark 5 was living in a constant state of strain and stress.

He was tormented, sleepless, and stressed.

I’m confident of this: Scary Harry was no fun to be around. People avoided him.

Jesus gave Scary Harry a fresh start—and exchanged his strain and stress for some peace and rest.

I love how the Bible describes Scary Harry after this exchange…

“He was sitting there fully clothed and perfectly sane.” —Mark 5.15

No longer cracked-out. Not tweaking anymore.

Peace and rest.

Thank you Jesus!

Here’s the simple point: Peace & Rest > Strain & Stress

Maybe you’ve been holding on to strain and stress as if you love them and they love you back.

The truth is, they don’t. And you shouldn’t.

God has something greater for you.

Peace and rest.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me REST in green meadows; he leads me beside PEACEful streams.
He renews my strength.” —Psalm 23.1-3

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