Finding Rest

The more I have to do, the more I realize that I need to find time to rest.  As I get older – especially as I get farther away from my 20’s, I realize that resting should be a priority.  If you are like me, you like to stay busy.  And if you are busy like me, taking time to rest often gets pushed off your “to-do” list most of the time.  That is not how we, as people who follow Jesus, should live.

Our bodies are finite, they will die one day, and so they need to be nurtured.  Part of that nurturing is taking time to recharge and restore.  I know the type A people like me find it hard to let go of doing and going, but in order to live a full, healthy life, we must.  Part of walking with God is taking care of your temple.

The more I spend time with God, the more I realize that we need to have that recharge daily.  No, I’m not speaking to vacations or taking a “me” day as a form of recharge – even though they hold a value in your self-care walk.  I’m speaking of spending quiet time with God…daily.  One moment with God can fulfill what a 3 week vacation can in how you are restored physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

One of the best ways to get that restoration is spending time in God’s word – which can be done as simply as listening to it on the free Bible app (this isn’t an ad, just a recommendation) or reading a devotional of your choice.  You don’t need to make it long and drawn out.  Do what you can in the time you have.  I’ve even heard some Bible-teachers speak on spending their week meditating on one verse.  The more His word gets in you, the less you allow this world to get to you.

And, of course, there is nothing like sitting in silence, talking to God.  There is a great value in this.  His touch and voice heals things in a way nothing else can.  Make sure to take time out to spend seeking Him.  And not just seeking His hand (what can He do for you), but also seeking His face (what He wants from you, your community, the world).  God is always our source and seeking something outside of His presence (seeking something to fill a void only He should fill) will cause us more anguish than help.

Make time to rest daily, y’all.  When life gets busy, money runs tight, and you don’t know when you can get away from the crazy – steal away with Him and let His perfect refreshment restore your soul.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10

“I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:1-2

“He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30