“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls” Matthew 11:29 NASB
One measure of the integrity of your life is the tranquility of your sleep.
To sleep without anxiety, without fear, without the restlessness of compulsive desire is a reflection of the purity of your relationships with God and others.
For many of us, such a sleep is but a dream. Our waking moments are dimly lit nightmares that shine with searchlight intensity when we close our eyes. But it doesn’t have to be like this.
Matthew’s gospel uses the word anapuasis. It is a combination of two Greek words – ana (a prefix that means “again”) and pauo (a root word meaning “to give rest”).
This word describes inward tranquility while performing necessary labor. The emphasis is on the inner life, not on the outward activity.
Think of the times you have watched a child sleep. There is an undisturbed tranquility in that rest – a peacefulness that comes from letting go of all cares and concerns. It is the sleep of trusting dependence.
We know all to well the torment in our souls. We know the constant turmoil of compulsion and white-knuckled struggle. But here Jesus promises rest, the gentle rest of a sleep without nightmares, the rest of deep-seated serenity and calm.
Real spirituality leads us to peace of heart and tranquility of mind.
We know that this is a gift because no matter how hard we tried to find it when the compulsions of life ruled us, we never knew serenity.
What an unbelievable joy to know that our surrender will bring us rest, not struggle. The pathway to serenity is not a Herculean fight but a gentle submission.
Relax. God is in charge. Depend entirely on Him.
Your soul will sleep well tonight.
Are you willing to let go and let God?
Skip Moen
Author/Bible Teacher/Management Consultant
© Skip Moen
Your comments, thoughts or suggestions are welcome. The body text is by the author, the header and the words in italics are mine – John B. Samuel
Changi Chapel 
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