Intentional Rest
12/8/2021
Written by: April Mills
The holiday season is upon us, and that means one thing - we are busy! Shopping, decorating, baking and a host of other activities are all fighting for our attention as we celebrate the Christmas season. But, if you are someone struggling through a storm right now, the holidays and all it entails can feel like a heavy burden. It is one more thing on your already overloaded plate fighting for your attention. It is just one more thing you have to somehow summon the energy and focus for, and for some of you, that just feels impossible.
Many of us are facing an everyday crisis. It could be a sick child or spouse. It could be financial stress, personal illness, or a teen in crisis. It could be an addiction, a battle of depression, or a marriage that needs saving.
Whatever the scenario is, you are facing something that occupies the majority of your thoughts and energy. You may find it hard to feel ‘joyous’ this season. You may feel all consumed by whatever it is you are facing. It feels like a large mountain looming before you, blocking out your ability to see anything else. I get it, friend. I get it.
You may have faith and peace that God will prevail in your particular situation, and yet, still feel beat up, beat down and tired. You know what? That is normal. These chronic battles are hard, and sometimes, quite the extended journey. What do we do when we find ourselves continuously battling, and working night and day to gain an inch of victory?
We rest.
Yes, you read that right. We rest.
We must take time to intentionally rest in Christ. In order to allow Him to minister to our battle wounds, we have to stop fighting for a moment and just be with Him. To regain energy, strength and joy, we must take a break from the fight. You have to allow a part of yourself to relax, and lean in to the strength and comfort of the King Jesus, our eternal advocate.
We have to trust Him enough to care for us, and trust His ability to work on our behalf. This may feel like an impossible ask. You may feel to take a break would mean a set back in progress or that the situation will spin out of control. This is where you ask your faith to stretch out beyond your emotions. Let’s visit the words of our great Teacher.
Jesus gave us a direct invitation in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Notice the words gentle and humble in heart - these are powerful words. Jesus is a soft place to land, there is no rebuke in Him for being tired and worn out. He isn’t going to be disappointed in you, your effort, or chastise you for not doing more. He is our reservoir in which we can revive our tired spirits and find strength and joy once again.
Friend, take these words to heart. Spend time with the gentle and humble hearted King Jesus. Allow His kindness, majesty and mercy to overcome your troubled heart.
Prayer for this week: Dear Heavenly Father, I know you see my battle, and I ask that you help me find rest in You. I trust that You can restore strength and joy back to this tired body and spirit. I trust Your ability to work in me, and to restore me. I trust You will give me the strength to keep fighting until the day of victory is at hand. I hand my burdens to You, and in turn, receive peace and joy. I pray the wonder of the season come into my heart, and it shines to others for Your Name’s sake. Amen.