Relax

Religion is all about DO. Jesus is all about DONE.

Religion says we can never do enough for God. Jesus says that He has done enough.

Religion says work harder. Jesus says “Relax…”

Religion says TRY. Jesus says TRUST Me.

When is the last time you heard a religious pastor tell his flock to “relax?” I never heard that growing up. It was always, “You are not trying hard enough. Pray more. Witness more. Sweat more. Study more. God expects more of you than you are doing.”

Jesus asked me to share His thoughts with you this morning. Here it is:

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

“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.”

The Greek word for “worry” is “to divide the mind.” When our mind is not focused on the ONE thing we are doing at this very moment, our mind is divided and we worry and become anxious. Lately I’ve had a very divided mind. So divided that I forget what I went into the kitchen to get.

I hear Jesus a lot lately whispering in my ear… “Relax, Kenny. Relax. I’ve got this. Focus on the NOW. That is where I AM.”

Jesus delights in doing everything FOR us. He is never too busy for us. We never bother Him by our constant dependence upon Him.

Here’s how I’m learning to relax. I simply ask the Lord to remind us (Jesus and me, not just me) what WE need to accomplish today. Then I simply focus on what we are doing this very moment. He always brings to mind whatever WE need to do when WE need to do it. In the meantime, I just relax. It’s wonderful.

Now, don’t think I have this all mastered. My mind still gets divided on a regular basis, but my hearing is much better today. I hear His voice more readily and clearly now… “Relax. Relax. I got this.”

You should listen for yourself. My bet is that He is saying the same thing to you. Why don’t you let Him drive His vehicle (you) today, and you just enjoy the scenery. He is the WAY, you know, so you can relax and savor the JOurneY.

Y ’all have a blessed day today.

Blessings, Kenny.