Family Matters: Finding Rest in Jesus

By Lucia Ferrara

Do you want to find refreshment with Jesus? You know he wants to renew and bless every one of us. I am starting the second study group series “Spa for the Heart and Soul” for Women here at the Center. What does this have to do with Jesus, you ask? Finding refreshment in Jesus and how it applies to your everyday life and shedding God’s light will reflect upon your family and those around you. It benefits not only yourself but others too.

Have you ever had a manicure, pedicure, or back massage? Most of us have, and the benefits are a physical response, meaning that we feel relaxed, our muscles are not sore, and we feel looser. Our feet feel fresh and relaxed, with no aches or pains. As you’re receiving this treatment, do you find yourself talking to the manicurist or massage therapist about life in general? You probably discuss how each other’s families are doing, the latest events going on in the world or church or workplace. Developing relationships with others connects us to God and each other. These are spontaneous, meaningful and wireless connections in faith.

The Spa for Heart and Soul Series shares the same basic idea: when we find rest and refreshment with God, we not only renew ourselves, but we grow our relationship with God.

All the articles in the Family Matters series are available here.

Experiencing all these things not only affects our physical body but our minds and souls. Having relationships with others does indeed affect our personal relationship with God. When we interact with others, wherever we may be, we can bring Christ’s living water to others. It’s all about the journey. We talk about our pasts and how those experiences formed who we are today. We share about how in God’s healing we find rest and renewal. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “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 my burden I give you is light.” Notice that this scripture indicates that we can gain his rest by taking his yoke. Think about it. What does taking Jesus’ yoke mean to you in your life?

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Taking action is not easy. We struggle with this daily. I know I do. Talking about finding rest in Jesus is the easy part, putting it into action is another. Spending time in His presence, the Holy Spirit can move if you listen and hear HIS voice speaking to us. Reflecting, meditating and being still allows God to work in us. When God is present in us, we can share his light with others, and they will see Jesus in you.

For me, finding the time to dedicate to myself is incredibly challenging because of the demands of everyday life with work, family activities, church –  the list goes on and on. But I try. Even if it is the car in the morning driving to work, I can talk to Jesus. I find rest in this time because I ask to prepare my heart for the day ahead of me. I find rest in my soul with that. I also have a place in my house that has a chair, candle, bible, and soft music where I can sit and be still. I encourage all of you to do the same.

I encourage you to ponder on Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” Be still and invite God to be present with you at this moment. Take a deep breath and rest. Give God all that concerns you: worries, fears, schedules, family, and pressures.  God wants you to believe in him concerning all your needs and situations.

[Lucia Ferrara is the Director of Hospitality at Precious Blood Renewal Center and the lead organizer here of Parent Cafes. Share your thoughts with Lucia or ask her questions by using the form below or sending an email to info@pbrenewalcenter.org. Read more about the Parent Café here.]

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