There are times in life where we just need to rest; to come away from the everyday busyness of our schedules and the demands and stresses of our lives to rest awhile.
Some people find resting really difficult, believing that opportunities and success bypass those who are not striving and working 24/7. But it’s important to also understand that it’s not how we start the race that only matters, but also how we finish. As we travel through life we do need to learn to pace ourselves, to take regular breaks, to make time to relax and to not feel guilty about it when we do.
Our world is so achievement and performance driven that many of us feel like there is something wrong when we stop and relax even for a day. There is always something that needs to be done, but the urgent in our lives shouldn’t take over what is important.
God encourages us to rest. He made the Sabbath as a day to put down our tools, our work and to take time to rest in Him. (Genesis 2:2)
Jesus when His popularity and ministry success was at an all time high, chose to avoid the crowds, the fame and the demands of all the people to get away with His closest friends to rest.
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.” (Mark 6:31)
Psalm 23 is one of the most well known passages in the bible, and it is all about rest. “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”
Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Adequate rest and relaxation benefits us in many ways. When we couple that with learning to rest in God our spiritual, emotional, mental and physical states all benefit.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.”
That is because rest aids in recovery, both in our bodies and our inner world’s. It keeps us healthy and helps us to sleep, as our minds are at peace and our body repairs itself while we are resting. Rest lowers stress levels, boosts brain function and problem solving skills, and helps us to have more energy overall. Plus adequate rest results in us being more in tune with ourselves, and with those around us. When we rest we also have an increased awareness of God’s presence and leading.
Today make some time in your life and schedule to rest. Turn off your devices, shut out any stressful distractions, and come away with Jesus, and rest awhile.
Prayer: Lord please help me to rest in you today; to learn to come away and sit awhile so that you can restore my soul. In Jesus Name Amen.