Creating a Lifestyle of Resting in Jesus
Rest is the forbidden word in our society. To the world, rest correlates to laziness, and unproductivity and opposes the culture of busyness. We idolize full calendars and endless to-do lists and the idea of hustling has become what we value as success.
As a Wife, Mom, and everything in between I am constantly in this cycle of feeling like I have to be productive all the time. From cooking to daily chores, writing, creating, and homeschooling it feels like prioritizing rest is not a thing. I think I put this pressure on myself by watching the busyness of the world. Even when I think I have honed in on more simple living content on social media I still somehow feel like I need to do more like cook from scratch, create a garden, bake every day, etc. Now don't get me wrong I love all of those things and it is not the content creators that make me feel this way, it's my perspective and the pressure I put on myself.
As I write this I ask myself "Why do you feel this way?" The answer is simple, it is just the way of the world we live in. We often let our desires drive us to total burnout. We can have the very best intentions yet if we don't have balance and incorporate rest are we living out our purpose?
Rest is undervalued in our society but so valued by God. It is a part of His order and is equally as important as any work He has called us to do. God is so intentional when it comes to rest, so much so that it is mentioned over 200 times in the bible. Genesis 2:3 says "And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation." God loves when we are productive with the time He has given us using our gifts, caring for our family, creating, and even doing everyday mundane tasks. But He also requires His children to rest, just as He did.
What does Rest mean?
The definition of rest means to cease work or movement to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength. Although we need physical rest to function in this life, God's rest is what we need to thrive spiritually. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
God offers us a rest that comes from our surrender to Him. He desires us to seek His presence and lay upon Him our burden so that He can restore us. We've all heard the phrase, " You can't pour from an empty cup." While this is true, the only true way to fill our cups is through Jesus. He wants us to do good works in this life and thrive in all He has called us to, but He needs to be our source of rest.
This is something that I have to practice daily and to be honest, I am not that great at it, but it is a part of my journey with Jesus. Learning to trust Him to restore me as I seek His presence for rest. I want to encourage those of you who feel like rest is so far out of reach that God can do more in you and through you when you surrender to Him and allow Him to carry your load. He desires so deeply to be your source for all things, but He will never force you to seek Him. He desires an open and willing heart so He can do His part.
Here are a few ways I like to practice resting in the Lord
Journal daily - this allows you to release things that may be taking up too much space in your mind. When we release unnecessary things consuming our mind to God this creates space to hear from God.
Sit in His presence - this is a form of meditation that allows you to feel His calming presence and receive His perfect peace.
Read His word - I've found that it is easier to receive from God when you understand who He is and His character through reading His word.
Rest in the Lord is all about creating the time and space for Him. There is not one way to do so. No matter how you find rest in the Lord, keep an open heart to receive His restoration.
