The #1 Unfamiliar Reason to Rest

When we make space for God in our lives, we make space for ourselves. In Doors into Prayer, Emily Griffin states, “At first it sounds impractical and arrogant, to schedule time for God, but maybe we are scheduling time for ourselves, rather than God. This time will permit us to enjoy God’s company and God’s love.”

Either way, it’s a win-win!

Rest is a revitalizing and restorative practice. When was the last time you felt fully rested? If you’re a mom or dad of young ones, it’s possible you’ve been without rest for months or even years. We’re driven by our activity, commitments and sometimes the “fear of missing out” (FOMO).

All of this creates physical, mental and spiritual exhaustion. For some of us, it’s become a way of life. When we burn the candle at both ends, we ruin our families, damage our souls, and get sick. Stress and lack of adequate rest have a lasting impact!

Overextension of our time and energy can lead to

• Obsession of our to-do lists

• Life becomes a chore

• It’s challenging to hear God’s voice

• We don’t see the joy in life and

• We fail to pay attention to important things (family, friends, commitments, etc.)

We can’t work 24/7 without it costing us something. We ALL have limitations. We can’t have it all, say yes to everything and think we’re indispensable. We are human beings who need rest.

God recognized the need for rest. He rested after he created everything. If He took a day off for rest and he is infinite, as finite beings we absolutely need rest.

Take a few minutes to consider these questions:

• What exhausts you or keeps you working past your limits?

• When and where do you most deeply rest?

• When was the last time you played?

If you aren’t clear on your what exhausts you or how to rest, maybe it’s time to slow down so you can reflect.

Calhoun in her book, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook says, “God created us in his image. He is a God who works and then rests. When we rest we honor the way God made us. Rest is a spiritual act--- a truly human act of submission to and dependence on God who watches over all things as we rest.” This is the #1 reason we rest.

Rest

Practice of Grace #7

Practice of Grace #7-Rest

Make time for yourself and for God. Be intention about resting. Rest involved agenda-free times of stillness before God, simply enjoying his company. Rest is a state of heart we carry with us into our week.

If you need to schedule it, DO IT. Peace. Shalom and well-being can be added to your week when you take time for rest. Here are some ways you can add it to your life.

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier 4 times a week and eventually do this on a daily basis.

• Write down what would be a perfect day of rest. Plan when you can take this half or full day of rest. Guard that time. You may need to ask for help to execute your day.

• What brings you joy? What do you like to do for fun? Put one or two of these things in your schedule.

I don’t think you’re going to be disappointed in taking time for rest. When we honor our body, soul, and spirit with rest, we honor God too. What a beautiful way to make space for God in your life.

I would love to hear how you are incorporating rest into your life and how this is impacting you. Leave your comments below.