Over the last year I find myself busier than ever, being a mom to a one year old and working full time. I often find myself at the end of the day wondering where the time went. Anytime I sit down and try to take a break from all the happenings I can’t help but think of my mile long to-do list. There is the never ending laundry, cleaning, cooking meals that are supposed to be healthy, and current renovation projects at the house. I could go on and on, but I’m sure you get the gist. And of course there is the toddler who inevitably wakes up from his nap just as I pick up my reheated cup of coffee or begin to fold some of the laundry that’s been piling up for days (who am I kidding, weeks).
Notice something missing? As life began getting busier, little things started getting put off. It’s not intentional, but it happens. Quiet time spent with the Lord started getting shorter and less frequent, time spent in God’s word was being disrupted, and taking time to rest became something that began looking like a luxury instead of a necessity. Priorities shifted and life balance was non-existent. Life like this is not sustainable. It is evident especially in our modern society that we are stressed, overworked, and constantly on the go. It seems there is always something or someone that needs our attention. In American culture it has become the norm to stay busy, but it’s not how God created us.
Genesis 2:2 “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” Why would an all powerful, all knowing God need rest? Short answer is, he doesn’t. He rested as an example to us. We need to take time to rest and recoup or we will burn ourselves out. See God knows that we need rest. It is necessary for our overall health and well being. Rest reduces stress, helps our bodies heal, and improves our focus. In the New Testament Jesus advises the disciples to rest. “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.’ For many were coming and going and they had no leisure even to eat.” When we are constantly bombarded with life even if it’s in ministry we will burn out quickly if we do not take the time to rest.
And we don’t only need physical rest, but spiritual rest as well. We find this spiritual rest by drawing near to the Lord. In Matthew chapter 11 Jesus tells all those who are weary to come to Him and he will give them rest. Spending time with the Lord is the most important thing we can do each day. It helps us to keep our priorities straight and gives us the strength to face each day. Jesus set an example for us by going to quiet places by himself to pray. Matthew 14: 23 “ And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountains by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”
So next time you find life getting busy, take a step back and evaluate. Make sure you are making time with God a priority and that you are taking the time to rest. Find a quiet place away from the chaos around you and
draw near to God.
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