It’s the end of the week and I think a lot of people will agree that end of week’s are a great time to reflect and recharge. But to do that we will need to take five.
Taking five looks different for each person, but whatever it looks like it means ceasing from our normal routines, doing some nice things for ourselves, surrounding our life with those things and people that comfort, support, and lift us up, and spending some quality time with Jesus.
Taking five enables us to press pause, to deal with any hurts, disappointments, and stressors, and to hand over any cares or burdens to Jesus. He knows that the loads we need to handle can get heavy and wear us down and He’s always encouraging us to cast any unnecessary or burdensome ones off and to live a life that is far lighter and easier than what we usually are attempting to navigate.
Jesus says, “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for You.” (1 Peter 5:7)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:22)
As you take five this weekend I encourage you to:
Re-evaluate your priorities- 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 yourself.
Be still and take some time to wait on Jesus – it’s where you will have your strength renewed.
“He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Focus on the important rather than just the urgent. When you pause, and don’t go rushing into situations, the so-called “urgent” problems will often take care of themselves.
Prepare for tomorrow – no experience is ever wasted and when we take five we can evaluate our successes and failures honestly which helps us learn, regroup and move forward knowing God works all things together for our good. (Romans 8:28)
Relaxation and rest - 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 timeouts. 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 do it.
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2)
Schedule in some take fives and remember that Jesus loves and cares for you and will do exceedingly more than you can ask or pray for as his power goes to work in and through your life. (Ephesians 3:20)
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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