Allow Yourself to Rest

Allow Rest

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7

You need to rest, but you keep pressing forward, hoping that somehow, someday you’ll catch up on your sleep. But how long have you been telling yourself you’ll rest, only to find that — months later — you’re still trying to catch up? To finally get the rest you’re craving, you must first allow yourself to rest.

Rest looks different for everyone. For some, it’s taking a sabbatical or extended vacation. For others, it’s a nap or an hour of solitude. You know your needs and your limits — what would good, adequate rest look like for you? Make a plan, write it down, and commit to it — perhaps even ask a friend or your spouse to hold you accountable.

You need rest — we all do. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s simply part of being human. Give yourself a break. Decide when and how you will rest and then allow yourself to do it.

I’m not good at allowing myself to rest, Lord. Show me a plan that will work for me.

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Feed Your Body With Rest

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19

When you look over the course of your day, are there times for rest? Are there moments you can catch your breath, sit down, and reflect? Or are you going, going, and going until you drop into bed an hour later than you’d hoped?

Dear friend, you need to rest every day.

It might seem productive to rush around nonstop, but your body, mind, and soul were not created to function that way. Daily rest is needed, just like daily bread. If you skip eating, your body ends up depleted. In the same way, skipping rest leaves your body weak and deeply weary.

Take time each day to rest, incorporating it into your daily routine. Follow the example of Jesus, who made an effort to rest even when thousands of people were looking to Him to be fed. Yes, He fed them with loaves and fishes, but then He also fed Himself with solitude, prayer, and rest (Matthew 14:23).

Jesus, help me follow Your example of taking time to rest.

Excerpted with permission from 365 Devotions for Finding Rest by Christina M. Vinzon, copyright Zondervan.

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Your Turn

The days are just too busy, aren’t they? With family, church, work, chores, errands, and the never ending To Do List, I am not very good at setting aside time for rest… which is why I’m prone to getting completely wiped out. How about you? Since the Savior of the world modeled rest to us, friends, let’s begin again today with scratching out rest time. It’s that important to our souls! Come share with us on our blog. We would love to hear from you about feeding our bodies and souls with rest! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full