I’m currently in a lockdown in our city, which has just been extended for another month. I’m choosing to trust that God will work some good out of all the mess.
One positive is that I have no choice but to stop and take some time out from my usual schedule.
Life can feel like you are riding a merry go round with plenty of action but no real movement to achieving any set goals or reaching a destination.
I’ve learnt the hard way the benefits and necessity of taking breaks to recharge and relax spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
Here are some reasons and positives of regularly taking time out:
Opportunity to re-evaluate your priorities
You can easily fall into step with what everyone else around you is doing, even if they are not the values, beliefs or life you want to live. When you stop, it allows you to re-evaluate and check you are on the “right track” to achieving your goals and becoming the best version of you.
Be still and wait on God.
It’s in being still and waiting quietly that you are spiritually refreshed and strengthened. It’s also how we refocus and draw closer to Jesus.
“Be still, and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
“He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power”. (Is 40:29:11)
Don’t let the urgent overtake the important. When you pause, evaluate, and don’t go rushing into situations, but take time to focus on what is important, the so-called “urgent” problems will often take care of themselves.
Prepare for tomorrow. Taking time to reflect on yesterday and evaluating our successes and failures honestly helps you prepare for tomorrow. No experience is ever wasted if you learn from it and adjust positively from mistakes and lessons learnt. God works all things out for good.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.(Romans 8:28)
Taking time out increases your capacity for thankfulness and the ability to count your blessings. When you are constantly rushing around, you can miss the miracles and good things that happen all around you every day. It’s good to stop and give thanks.
Give out of the overflow. Taking time out helps prepare you for the pressures and battles of life. If you are running on empty, not giving time for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual rest, you will be drawing on depleted strength instead of an overflow. When you take time out to be refreshed, you can live and give out of the overflow.
Relaxation and rest are vital to you feeling right. Your emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health will greatly determine how you react to situations. The healthier you feel, the better you are equipped to manage difficulties and decisions.
Schedule weekly time outs. It can be as simple as turning the phone and electronics off, reading a book, doing something creative or just sleeping in. Find what prospers your soul and take some regular time out.
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2)
Prayer: Lord, help me to take time out to re-energize. I don’t want to be constantly moving but never getting anywhere. Reveal to me if I need to make any changes in my life as I stop and wait on you. In Jesus name. Amen.
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