Here are four strategies we can turn to next time we need to focus on rest and not on performing.
In our busybody culture, we tend to admire those who work hard. The people who fill their schedules with various to-dos and many commitments. Those who, unsurprisingly, are often in need of rest.
There’s a woman in my life whom I admire for multiple reasons. And yet, just as much as I admire her, I can’t help but feel some level of anguish every time I hear or look at her schedule. She has commitments starting back-to-back at every hour. She juggles life as an entrepreneur, a mother, a dance teacher, a friend, and more. But the juggling act she participates in day in and day out is, at best, precarious.
She’s often tired, stressed, and overworked. I suggested taking a load off, putting her feet up, and watching some television. The thought sounded nice, but setting aside the time seemed unrealistic. She opted for doing chores instead; after all, they had been neglected because of all the other commitments.
“I’ll rest when I’m dead,” she told me. And so, where one busy day ends, the next day begins just the same.
As much as I want to admonish her, I so often need admonishing, as so many of us do in today’s workaholic culture. We overburden ourselves with work, family, friends, chores, and commitments of all kinds. We put more pressure on ourselves to accomplish what is not realistically possible. Not just within a day, but even within a lifetime.
In the end, we’re left with our anxiety, our frustration, and our sleep deprivation, all because we chose not to rest.
That’s not the life God has called His children to live. As He demonstrates in Genesis and as Jesus further reveals, rest is important.
“On the seventh day God had completed his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it he rested from all his work of creation.” (Genesis 2:2-3, CSB)
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Rest honors God and reminds us of His provision. Rest replenishes our minds and bodies, enabling us to better do the things we are called to do. All in all, rest is necessary to walk the Christian lifestyle.
If you and I are anything alike, when the time comes to rest, we don’t always know how to abide. But where there’s a desire, we can bring about change in our lives.
Here are four strategies we can turn to next time we need to focus on rest and not on performing.
1. Perspective
Developing a more restful lifestyle begins with a change in perspective. We set aside time for the things we value and deem important. If rest is not important, we will not make time for it. Something we should all keep in mind, no matter our age or status in life, people on their deathbeds don’t talk about wanting more money or more time in the office. They long for rest, for time spent with loved ones. With a proper perspective of rest, we can recognize and act on its importance before we reach that stage of life.
You can find this perspective by asking yourself these questions:
- What is rest?
- What does Scripture say about rest?
- How might I benefit from rest in my own life?
- Could I better serve God and people if I rested more?
2. Priorities
Priorities are what take up most of our time and energy. We think about them when we awake in the morning and when we fall asleep at night. Sometimes we are guilty of forgetting things that ought to be important. Rest is no exception. We can realign our priorities by taking inventory of where we most devote ourselves. Scripture helps us understand that work is important and money is necessary to live, but God is meant to be our first love. Our primary concern.
You can practice introspection and fix your priorities by asking these questions:
- What things do I consider important?
- What things does God consider important?
- Do I devote more attention to anything or anyone over God?
- How can I ensure God is my first love?
3. Plan for Rest
If rest doesn’t come naturally, then you should plan for a way to get some on the schedule. That includes short breaks from work, taking vacations, setting aside times for naps, and just finding time on the schedule to do something that replenishes your soul. If your life is go, go, go every day you will inevitably run yourself empty, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Here are some ways you can play for rest:
- Set aside at least 15 minutes daily to connect with God.
- Commit time to a hobby every week, if not daily.
- Set a bedtime for yourself.
- Take vacations.
- Take short breaks from work.
4. Pray
When the to-do is at the top of your mind, naturally, there’s less focus on God. We work best when we concentrate on one thing at a time. Trying to pour all your efforts into work and prayer just can’t happen at the same time. No one denies that work is important, along with all the other obligations you have. However, what should be most important is your relationship with God. If you set aside time for the other things, then, of course, there should be time for the Lord. If you’re not sure how to do that or when, then talk to Him. He grants wisdom to those who seek it, and He will not hold you back from developing your relationship with Him (James 1:5).
A Prayer for Rest
Lord,
I come before you now seeking your help. I have an uncanny ability to drive myself into the ground. To overcommit, double book, and be stressed and anxious. Of course, I always tell myself I have good reasons, and yet I know this tired life is not what you want for me. My mind is not dedicated to you or the things above, but to work my obligations here on Earth.
Would you please help me realign my focus on what’s actually important? Help me to care more about what matters most to you. Teach me to appreciate the things that make you happy and to avoid the things that make you sad.
Though I’m used to living on the run, your son offers me rest. May I decide right here and now to choose that rest. And when tomorrow comes, and the temptation to be on the go resumes, I pray again, Lord, that I would choose you.
Thank you for hearing my prayer, and thank you for your help.
In His name, I pray, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/skynesher
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