Resting When It’s Possible

 

Introduction:

My friends, why is it that we find ourselves not taking time for ourselves to simply enjoy a life that has been given to us? We fill our schedules but at the end of each day, we are more fatigued than before. I assume it’s our current culture and the lie it has told, saying we should ALWAYS be active. What a lie! 

It’s not merely exhausting to keep up with this narrative, but it consumes our hearts and our minds. 

It’s difficult to stop and smell the roses, I hear you. Most of the time I run past them not even noticing! Haha! While summer was somewhat restful, I still found myself trying to cram activities and events without taking a moment to recharge and reflect. 

While you read this, I truly pray you find some sort of comfort and encouragement as you learn what it means to be at rest with our maker. I pray you learn what it means to rest with Jesus and rest in your day-to-day life with work, school, projects, etc! 

Trying to fit everything into your schedule can be challenging! I want you, along with myself, to feel confident about where we are headed in our lives. I would say I want to confidently hold onto this wonderful quote on the internet. “Too blessed to be stressed”.  Is it possible to feel this?!

Season of Dwelling 

I don't know about you but this summer has been a fantastic season to truly know and understand the rest within Jesus.

 I was asked by a dear friend of mine, a few months back, how my walk with my faith was going…

My response was that I was (for the first time ever) in my life, content with the Lord. It seemed to me, that for the first time, I wasn’t mad or angry with God. I wasn’t fighting to get my way, or frustrated at the fact things were different than I anticipated. 

Going into January of this the year my mindset was “enjoying” my time, but I certainly wanted more out of my year, due to having considerable setbacks the year before.

 As time passed, I have allowed circumstances and situations I’ve encountered over the years to shape me as a woman. It’s been a beautiful thing to experience! 

It’s been a wild journey to keep growing and learning, some days I don’t want to, but then I remember that’s the very motivation why I need to keep pushing through each day to become better. 

I remember explaining to my dearest friend in that meaningful conversation we had, just how much I want to enjoy being present with God. Dwelling in His presence, just taking it all in. His wonder and giving Him the glory for what he’s done in my life. 

Resting Isn’t a Bad Thing! 

I believe for the longest time I thought resting or taking a break from our crazy world, was a sign of not living or something wild like that, haha! But it’s all around a remarkable thing and we should all do it more often. Taking time to reflect on your own life and what makes it great, can create a positive impact on how you think! 

There are a few additional lies I’ve listened to when it comes to this subject but has quickly turned around. Here are a couple I have noticed in my own journey;

Resting IS NOT a punishment..we all deserve a time or two of calm space and enjoyable silence! 

resting IS NOT a sign you are doing a terrible job at what you are called to be doing. Though it shouldn’t create a distraction! 

Resting IS NOT being lazy, but rather rejuvenating for the next big thing. Never stop pushing, you got this! 

The Big Notice 

After realizing the lies I’ve mentioned above, I started to take another glance at what resting truly is. I think it’s beautiful to take note that it looks different in every season you are in. 

Resting can be fruitful while taking time for yourself.

Resting can enable you to be present with others while taking time to be in the moment and not be overwhelmed.

Resting produces an environment of harmony, in which you can convey that to others, motivating them to do the same! 

Resting makes room for laughter instead of tears. Every now and then I get stressed, and I tend to get emotional. When I take time for myself to PROCESS my emotions and I maintain control over them. 

All of these factors when it comes to what is rest and how it can affect us in a positive way, are wonderful insights into what we could experience if we were to simply take a moment. 

Dwelling in Jesus could be a wonderful start! 

Breathe. Rest. Refresh.