Gardens Part 17-Contemplation

2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 30:15-18, Psalm 23

Rest is essential to our spiritual lives. A well rested person easily resists temptation and easily loves. As believers we don't 'live for the weekend' but rest in God to be strengthened for a holy and loving life of work, prayer and relationships.  

The Four Habits of Rest

(adapted from Pete Scazzero’s advice on Sabbath delight)

1. Stop

2. Delight

3. Rest

4. Contemplation
   

What about you?

What habit(s) do you need to bring into your growth plan to grow in your rest?

Explore more ideas on how to cultivate growth in the Rest Garden with the Growth Plan at:

www.stillnaz.com/growthplan. 

—FOR FURTHER STUDY—

For Further Study on Sabbath: 

Bible Project’s Summary

https://bibleproject.com/bible-studies/sabbath/ 

Rich Villodas: Sabbath Keeping Part 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lw_faZwoJkI 

For Rest Guidance from RightNow Media:

24/6

Matthew Sleeth

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/358 

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

John Mark Comer

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/729101 

Free RightNow Account: www.stillnaz.com/rightnow 

Message Reflection Questions

1. Begin with silence.

2. What did God say to you through the message?

3. How did you find rest in the past week?

4. How would you describe the difference between “godless rest” and “godly rest”?

5. Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. What is contemplation and why is it necessary for godly rest?

6. Read Isaiah 30:15-18. What are the “horses” that distract you from contemplation and resting in god?

7. Slowly read through Psalm 23. What aspect of Jesus’ shepherding do you need to rest in this week?

8. What is one habit that you want to renew or add to incorporate regular rest in your spiritual growth plan?

9. Close in prayer. Include prayers for the rest and restoration in our homes, workplaces and world. Read Isaiah 40:28-31 to conclude your prayer.
   
   

DAILY READINGS 

For the Rest Garden series, we’re reading through texts that invite us to stop, delight, rest and contemplate. 

Monday: Psalm 46

Tuesday: Psalm 23

Wednesday: Hebrews 4:9-11

Thursday: Isaiah 30:15-18

Friday: Matthew 8:23-27

Helpful Instructions for reading

1. Start with silence. Relax in God’s presence. Imagine resting with Jesus.

2. Review the memory verse for the series: Matthew 11:28

3. Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.

4. Read the verses slowly. Ask: How is God inviting me to rest in Him?

5. Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.