The months leading up to this post have been nothing I would have ever expected when I last wrote. I’ve known I didn’t want to give up on my blog, I just needed to rest.

As Christians we often use the word “rest”. We rest in the Lord. We rest on Sundays. The list could go on and on, but do we really know what it is to rest beyond that glorious nap snuggled up in a comforter watching our favorite show?

I’ve been learning.

Rest for me has been being busy but never feeling overwhelmed. It’s been choosing not to be busy when that overwhelming feeling starts to creep in. It’s been truly leaning into the Word, into Jesus and letting Him bring me rest from the trials of the world, the trials of my life. It’s been letting go instead of stressing out.

Now is this to say I’ve really got this rest thing figured out? No way! I’ve come a long way and still have a long way to go. I’m still fighting with the thoughts that try to drag me back into unrest, confusion, and stolen peace. But much like I once trained my mouth not to curse, I’m attempting to train my brain to rest. I know I’m certainly not alone on this path.

Strive to be tired from a physical labor, not from a mental exhaustion. Strive to give it ALL over to the Lord, let Him figure it all out. I’m pretty sure God is the best at being God and He already has it all figured out. So why live in unrest about things that will always work out like they should?!

Peace and rest come straight from the Lord. Take the gifts He has given us. Don’t let the enemy tempt you into a life that God never intended you to live.

I’ve got some scripture below to fall into like a pillowtop mattress…

“In that wonderful day when the Lord gives his people rest from sorrow and fear, from slavery and chains, you will taunt the king of Babylon. You will say, “The mighty man has been destroyed. Yes, your insolence is ended. For the Lord has crushed your wicked power and broken your evil rule.”

Isaiah 14:3-5 NLT

“My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.”

Psalms 55:4-7 NLT

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.”

Psalms 127:2 NLT

“The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone.”

Mark 6:30-32 NLT

I know the above scripture of Jesus feeding the five thousand is very familiar to many BUT there is so much more to be learned beyond the miracle working of our God. Jesus commanded rest. Even in His days leading up to saving our very souls for eternity, He knew rest was essential.

Rest will renew us… mind, body, and soul.

Rest is one of God’s promises to us, when we seek Him.

God is and will always be our source of peace and strength.

Pray your own prayer or pray with me…

Lord in Heaven, please show us how to rest properly! Take us beyond a comfy bed into a place of Your rest, your provision. Lead every reader and every person beyond this blog to You. In Your promises we find peace. Thank You for loving us perfectly in our very imperfect lives.

In Jesus’ Name I pray,

Amen!