The Holy day is over. The chocolate bunnies have been eaten and the pretty dresses put away. As Christians, we are grateful that Jesus died for us and was resurrected. But I think Easter sometimes raises the question - is there something more I should be doing? We may be inclined to treat Easter as a kind of spiritual New Year’s, resolving to be better Christians.
But what is the bottom line? How would God have us live in light of Easter? I believe the answer is simpler that you may imagine. In a word - rest.
Rest. Cease striving. The Bible says God created us for His pleasure. We are objects of His affection and delight. He does not want our efforts. He wants to be in relationship with us. Rest from self effort. Rest from worry. Just be with Him. If this seems too difficult, ask Him to help you.
Think of it this way. When you first held your newborn child, did you love that baby because he had cleaned his room or done his homework? No. You loved him simply because he existed. He didn’t have to do anything to earn your love.
That’s how it is with God. He loves us simply because we exist. Learn to rest. Learn to simply be with Him. He will take care of everything else.
-Sarah Moorhead
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)