Stop and Rest

Life can be very busy at times, and this time of year is no exception. While some of us may only have seasons of busyness in our lives, there are others who battle with busy schedules throughout the year. I, for one, am a very busy person all year round.It’s not that I’m an important person, with a glamorous agenda and paparazzi following my every move.  I’m just a person that dislikes idleness and likes to stay busy.  If I’m not working on a project, my mind is busy planning the next one.  It seems like lately I’ve been busy working on several projects at once, with several new ideas swimming around my head.  It is not a negative quality to be motivated and work hard, as long as we are taking time to get adequate rest.

Rest is important for our health and well being.  It rejuvenates our bodies, regulates our moods and improves our brain functions.  God himself rested on the Sabbath, and instructs us to do the same (Exodus 20:8).  He asks for us to spend time resting because he knows how important it is for our body, mind and spirit.  He wants us to spend time focusing on our spiritual health by reflecting on him and enjoying his presence.  Not just on Sundays, but every day. It is important to spend time getting to know him through prayer and reading his word.

So why does it have to be so hard for me?  I know I should spend more time in prayer and Bible study.  I spend many of my days rushing around completing various tasks, and I hear that small voice inside telling me to stop and rest.  I know I should take time to stop and pray, but I don’t…because I have things to do. God is calling me to him, and I choose laundry instead.  Not a wise choice in hindsight is it?  It’s a good thing my ticket to heaven has been achieved through his grace and not by my merits!  We must learn there are times when it’s important to forget our tasks and to do lists, and focus on our creator. How else are we to hear his voice and receive his instruction?

We spend so much of our lives focused on getting things done that we’re too busy to listen to what God has been trying to tell us all along. His word declares, “Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3 NASB)  I think I’ll devote a part of my day today to resting and seeking what God wants to reveal to me.  Why not take extra time out of your schedule today to stop, rest and listen to what he wants to say to you?