that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being ’as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

ESVACTS 17:27-28

The hardest part about throwing a surprise party is subtly convincing the guest of honor to arrive just when and where you’ve planned. It’s always a gamble! Can you imagine the disappointment of those gathered in hushed suspense if he or she didn’t show? All the effort of decorating, gathering loved ones, preparing food, and wrapping gifts would be left standing, unused, and unappreciated.

The first of Jesus’ beckoning in Matthew 11:28-30, the call to come to him, reminds us that this is where we should always begin. Like the honored guest at a party, we just need to show up. Jesus has taken care of the rest! For some of us, this coming to Jesus is for the first time; for others, it is a returning. Whether for a brief moment or a lifetime, any time spent in his presence is rich with the invitation to rest.

It can be all too easy to equate escape and rest. So often we want to get away and think of nothing. The burdens we bear hush us into reclusivity, but all along we’ve been made for more! The Apostle Paul put it like this: “In him we live and move and have our being.” And, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” What a worthy refuge is our God!

Today, right now even, is the best time to spend a few quiet moments coming to Jesus with your whole self. Bring all you’ve been carrying. Pray for his help to lay those things down and pray for your empty spaces to be filled with him. This is your daily doorway to rest.

He delights in our presence, whenever we allow His presence. Our part is one of surrender. Our job is to open our doors. To lay down our skepticism, our street smarts, our cynicism, our self-contempt—even for a time—and to give relationship a try.