Rest
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
Ah! There's something about reading that verse that makes me want to go take a nap.
Earlier this week, I was overwhelmed with exhaustion. It was one of those days where I was going from one task to another, with no breaks in between. I was adding things to my to-do list that weren't a priority, but because I am a perfectionist, I wanted to get it done.
I am one of those people who will write something down on a list just to check it off, even if I've already completed that task. Yes, I know, I'm crazy. But hey, God still loves me!! (Lol)
My husband even pointed out that I've been jumping from one stressor to another lately, and it made me think, how many of us live our lives doing this very same thing?
The problem is, if we do this and we're not careful, we will run ourselves into the ground. This was me earlier this week. I was so exhausted and overwhelmed by my list that I could not function. I had a hard time processing in conversations, I struggled to form words and sentences, and physically my body was done.
I had exerted myself for too long, and it got to the point where my body gave me no other option but to stop and rest. Have you been here, too?
This was never the way God designed us to live. He doesn't want us to run ourselves into the ground, because while we think we're being productive, we're really not because were hurting ourselves in the process.
When I am trying to work with my horses, yet I'm drained physically and mentally, my session never goes well. I can't think clearly, I can't keep up physically, I get tired really fast, and I'm ready to be done. But when I rest and then go outside to work with them, I am able to exert myself and give them what they need from me in the session.
The same is true for you! Your time with others will improve if you feel rested, work won't seem as exhausting, and you will ultimately feel better throughout your day.
The next time you say no to a nap because you are questioning your productivity, remember that rest is productive. This is why Jesus tells us to come to Him, so He can recharge us and refuel us with energy and life. Even God Himself rested on the seventh day when He created the world.
I find that when I turn to Him and find rest, whether that's a nap or time in His word rejuvenating me, I am way more productive, and I can spend more time doing things I love.
Journal Prompt:
Is it hard for you to rest? Find time this week to put your to-do list on pause and take a nap, even if it's only for 20 minutes.
Ref: Psalm 4:8, Exodus 34:21
