Love to hear from and know who is listening
Does this sound familiar? You get up in the morning, and you find yourself running from place to place all day without a break. Or you work all day, then have to take care of a million things around the house or with family in the evening. Maybe you run errands all weekend long. Perhaps you have a side job and work on in the evenings or on weekends. You know it’s important to take breaks and rest a bit, but you just have too much to do! Personally I have a hand written to do list of things that I think I must get accomplished immediately and I work at completing that list until I simply have no energy left. As I get older I have discovered that my mind is stronger than my muscles. In my mind I think I should still be able to do everything I did when I was in my twenties but my 57 year old body sometimes let me know that I am not 20 something!
The world is a chaotic busy place. Sometimes it may feel like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. It is so easy to let the stress of bills, work, your health, family, friends, your children, even your grand children get you overwhelmed. Sometimes it feels like your so busy you will never be able to get caught up. I have even heard people say, “You can rest when your dead!” Many people are caught in the grind of work, family responsibilities and ongoing stress. The world is a stressful place! About 33 percent of people report feeling extreme stress, and up to 73 percent report that stress impacts their health.
John 16:33 NIV “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
For me to stop to take a break and rest is a huge trust issue, because in my mind I don't think that anyone else can accomplish the things I need to get done, at least not the way I think they should be done. No matter how busy you may be you must take a break and rest. Do you think you are greater than God, even God rested!
Genesis 2: 2-3 NIV By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Some people don’t seem to believe taking a break is an option. Whether because of limited time, guilt or conflicting priorities, it may seem that taking a break is a misuse of time. However, this is merely a lie we tell ourselves. In Luke 10:38-42, we hear the story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha is busy preparing everything for Jesus and Mary sits at his feet. When Martha inquires about getting Mary’s help, Jesus tells her that Mary chose what is better. It is okay to take a break and rest in God’s presence. The Bible warns us not to become lazy, but it also encourages finding rest for your soul in Jesus Christ. You may be wondering, “How do I refresh my soul and rest in God?” Here are some practical ways to find rest for your soul. First Pray. Take time to pray and slow your pace. Next remove distractions, shut off the TV, put down you cell phone or other electronic device. Limiting or removing distractions can help you focus on what is truly important. Bible study is a great way to rest. The Bible is full of stories of hope, peace and grace that we can all use during busy times. Practice thankfulness. Sometimes we focus so much on what we need to do next that we don’t forget to focus on God and all He has blessed us with. And last but certainly not least, “Be Still” It is important to just listen and be quiet. Go out in nature and enjoy the wonder of God. Be still in His presence!
