Without being aware we can actually find that we are in constant motion and never truly at rest. This lack of rest can originate from our packed schedules, connection to technology and a pressure to perform. We strive for acceptance, to earn respect, position, love, value and to fulfil our purpose. Unfortunately all this striving and motion with no true rest will inevitably leave us tired; a tiredness right down deep on the inside – we become soul tired.
I realised this week how often I allow myself to get soul tired, when instead of the constant motion I try to stop. It’s perhaps harder than we may think to stop and rest, to cease from our busyness, our constant thoughts and to seek solitude and silence. We may even struggle with guilt or feelings of failure when we can’t. But that’s okay, because not being able to rest actually reveals where we are seeking to be in control, where we are stressing, striving and often living in fear. Where we haven’t surrendered to God.
Being aware of what we are unable to rest about reveals why we feel soul weary, and is the first step towards restoration for our souls and refreshing to our spirits. God wants for us to know true rest, where we know who we are and what our life and purpose is. However we can’t know that rest until we allow ourselves to be still and to face what is actually going on in our thoughts and deep down on the inside of us. Only then as we choose stillness and awareness can God go to work to bring restoration and strength to our tired souls.
When we rest and learn how to remain seated in that rest everything changes. We start to understand our identity and purpose in God and how to walk in our authority. Instead of stress and striving there comes a strength and calm. Instead of fear and worry we live at rest and peace.
Today I encourage you to intentionally set aside some time for the purpose of being still and to rest…even for 10 minutes a day alone where you create stillness in the midst of your usual motion and schedule. No phone, no technology, no noise, no interruptions. Just you, the quiet and God, as you allow Him to do some work.
For He says, “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 TPT)
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”(Isaiah 30:15 NLT)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still water. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”(Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV)
Prayer:Lord I’m choosing to take time for quietness and stillness with you today. Help me to be aware of the places in my life where I am struggling to be still so that I can surrender them over to you. That I would learn how to rest and trust you more, and to remain in that rest all day. In Jesus name Amen.
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