Your Soul Needs Rest
February 18, 2024
Today, we welcome our guest preacher, Dr. Mark Searby. Mark is a native of Illinois, where he completed his college and seminary education at Lincoln Christian University and his Doctor of Ministry degree at the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. After serving over 20 years in pastoral ministry, he taught at Lincoln Christian Seminary for ten years. He also served as a Vice President for Lincoln Christian University for four years. He served ten years as the director of Doctor of Ministry Studies at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He currently resides with his wife, Linda, in central Florida.
Passage
Isaiah 30:15-18; Mark 6:30,31; Matthew 11:28-30
Principle
Our soul needs ##rest## if we are to be fully who God, our Creator, wants us to be.
Practice
Beware of the Dangers of an ##Exhausted## ##Soul##
Experience the Blessings of a ##Rested## ##Soul##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What do you do to relax? Have you ever finished a time of rest, maybe a vacation, and still felt tired? What is the difference between physical and spiritual rest?
HEAR
Read Psalm 23:1-3
- Is there a connection between knowing the Lord as your Shepherd and being content?
- Why do you think the Psalmist says, “He makes me lie down”? Do you find rest difficult?
- Based on these verses, how does the Lord renew our souls? When was the last time you felt like your soul was renewed? What is the connection between righteousness and a restored soul?
Read Psalm 23:4-6
- What is the “valley of the shadow of death”? Where was God as the Psalmist walked through the valley? Where was God when you walked there? How did you know?
- What does a shepherd do with a rod and staff? Why should God’s rod and staff bring comfort?
- What would it mean for God to prepare a banquet for you in the presence of your enemies?
- What is behind the Palmist? What is before him?
- Read Psalm 139:5. Do you feel “hemmed in” by God?
Read John 10:10-11
- What does the thief come to do? Who is the thief? What does Jesus come to do? Describe “abundant life.”
- Who is the Good Shepherd? How does the Good Shepherd protect His sheep?
HUDDLE
What will you do this week to “lie down in green pastures”? When will you walk “beside the still waters” with the Good Shepherd? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
This week’s reading plan focuses on Psalms of Rest. As you read each passage, be still before the Lord and allow Him to speak to you through His Word by His Spirit.
- Day 1: Psalm 23
- Day 2: Psalm 46
- Day 3: Psalm 62
- Day 4: Psalm 91
- Day 5: Psalm 92
- Day 6: Psalm 131
- Day 7: Psalm 145
Think Deeper
- Has your soul ever been exhausted? How did you recognize it?
- How does your soul best experience rest?
- What will you do this week to ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life?
Suggested Reading
Soul Keeping, by John Ortberg
The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, by John Mark Comer
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.