WHY GOD WANTS YOU TO REST & HOW TO DO IT

Are you worn out and longing for rest today? Do you know that God actually wants you to rest? That He commands it? But, how?

WHY GOD WANTS US TO REST

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Psalm 46:10

The verse above is probably one of the most comforting in all of the Bible.  Do you know why?  Because all it requires of us is quietness and stillness.  We do not have to do anything, say anything, or be anything.  It’s all God.  We just have to sit still long enough to acknowledge who He is.

This profound truth fills me with gratitude. Gratitude because I can rest physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually in the One who has all things under control.

After a year of “forced rest,” which only increased much of our worry, fear, and anxiety, it is normal for us to want back to jump back on the crazy busy train with jammed-packed calendars, full of activities, social events, and work commitments.

However, many of us learned valuable lessons when the world slowed to a screeching halt, and we need to be proactive if we want to remember, building time into our schedules for rest, reflection, stillness, and solitude.

Lofty goals, right?

PRACTICAL WAYS TO REST

• Commit to being “good” at one or two things instead of trying to do everything.
• Put a timer on your phone and resolve not to answer any calls, check email, or engage in any social media so that you can practice quiet and stillness.
• Look through old photos with no goal of organizing them.  Reflect on the memories.
• Take a hot bubble bath (and lock the door!).
• When alone in the car (if ever!), turn off the radio and enjoy the silence.
• Plan empty space in your calendar.  Yes, actually mark it off…and then decide what to do with the extra time when it comes.
• Make it a priority to eat at least 4 meals with your family or friends weekly.  Sit down, eat slowly, and talk.
• Practice gratitude.  Keep a journal by your bedside and write down at least 3 things you are thankful for each day.
• Give yourself a “time-out” and use it to rest.  Lie back, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.  Even 10 minutes will make a huge difference!
• Find a place outside to sit and read.
• Create something without the pressure of having to do it for something or someone.  Paint, color, sew, cook, garden…
• Do something silly every once in awhile. You are never too old to play and have fun!
• Sit by the stillness of water any chance you get.  Buy yourself a small fountain just to hear the soothing sounds.
• Learn to laugh…especially at yourself!

SCRIPTURE VERSES ON REST

Genesis 2:2-3       Isaiah 40:28-31

Psalm 23:1-3        Matthew 11:28-29

Psalm 62:1-5        Mark 6:30-32

Psalm 91:1             Luke 5:15-16

RECOMMENDED READING ON REST*

Crazy Busy    Kevin DeYoung

Overcoming Overload  Steve and Mary Farrar

Margin   Richard A Swenson, M.D.

When You’re Running on Empty   Cindi McMenamin

(*I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.)