“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Sometimes, we don't know we need rest until we consciously take time to rest.
Fitting in rest, like fitting in fitness, is essential for our body, mind, heart, and soul - but even more so when we are dealing with a difficult or stressful situation.
Are you dealing with something unusual or difficult right now? It may seem almost impossible to rest when things are unsettled, especially if there is an emotional component. This may be a stressful situation at work or at home. However, it is possible to find rest when we trust God. Although it may not take away the problem, it will remove the worry from the concern and the despair from its perplexity. There is soul rest when we move from not knowing what to do to acknowledging God has everything under control. When we trust God and acknowledge His principles, we understand He wants us to seek rest in Him. And when we seek Him, we experience peaceful rest, even amid our storm.
We need rest.
The definition of rest is to "cease work or movement to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength." God has created us to rest and not be working all the time. He acknowledges that rest is essential, and we must take this seriously.
“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 11:28-30)
We need to schedule rest.
Do you take time to rest, or is the thought of it not even on your radar because of your workload and responsibilities. We can get caught up in life in general and/or a specific situation and never take time to stop for a moment to rest and recover. Going forward, build in times of rest into your life. It may mean making a conscious decision not to think about a situation. It may mean going for a walk. It may mean not checking emails or Social Media for an extended time. It does not matter when or how. It just matters that you take time to rest.
“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11)
We need to remember our true rest is found in Jesus.
We will not find rest in the world. Satan does not want you to rest; he wants you to continue feeling anxious, stressed, and caught up in a difficult situation. Augustine said, "Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord; and our heart is restless until it rests in Thee."
“True rest is found in God alone. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.” (Psalm 62:1-2)
Practical tips for finding rest:
Review your weekly schedule. See if it is "jam-packed" or if you have scheduled some rest time. This means not just a rest from work but also a rest from thinking about work.
“Yes my soul, find rest in God. My hope comes from Him.” (Psalm 62:5)
Are you satisfied you have a good balance of work and rest? If you feel like there is literally "no margin," take a step back and evaluate if something needs to change.
“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.” (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Do you need to incorporate some rest into your life? The first step is to seek Jesus. He has told us that we can go to Him, and He will give us rest.
“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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
Do you know someone who seems to be overworking and not getting enough rest? What can you do to help and/or support them to get some needed rest?
“But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” (Exodus 17:12)
Taking This to God in Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, it is easy to get caught up with the pressures and expectations of the world. Help me to always remember Your principles and promises, especially that You promise rest to those who seek You. Help me always remember to seek Your will and to rest in the trust I have placed in You. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.