Around 2:00 every afternoon I start to feel overwhelmed and tired. Sometimes a headache accompanies this fatigue. I have learned to absorb rest into my day with the ritual of afternoon tea (with a snack of course). Incorporating prayer, creating something, or participating in Christ-centered meditation has transformed me. I am so thankful for the healing power of rest in my life!
The healing power of rest directly opposes American values and norms. I am so thankful for God’s Word and Christ’s life, which clearly shows us the truth. Being constantly busy is not a Christian value. As disciples of Christ, we are called to emulate Jesus in all areas of his life, which quite frankly are usually counter-culture, including how he rested. I know this seems daunting, however, on my journey, it has been incredibly freeing!
One caveat I would like to add is, that while God commands us to rest He also commands us to work. Work and rest are not competing factors they are components of a rich Christ-Centered life.
The world says things like…
- You are important if you are busy.
- The need to accumulate and possess things is why we are here.
- The draining treadmill is the only way to succeed.
The Bible says things like…
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it ,you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11
- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
The Rest Manifesto – The Healing Power of Rest
(10 new rules to help you reclaim your right to relax)
by Courtney Carver and I have tweaked a few things to make sure it is Biblically accurate
1. Thou shalt read a good book or listen to restful music and enjoy a cup of tea before checking email or social media.
2. Thou shalt take a nap or a bath long before there is a checkmark next to every single thing on the to-do list.
3. Thou shalt not wait for the weekend to rest or for a vacation to relax.
4. Thou shalt not apologize for resting.
5. Thou shalt go for a walk before finishing the dishes or cleaning up the house.
6. Thou shalt ease through hard days instead of pushing through them.
7. When people tell you, “No pain, no gain” or “I’m so busy” or “I can sleep when I’m dead,” thou shalt tell people to simply smile and share The Rest Manifesto.
8. Thou shalt use free time to be free and not to catch up (and there shalt be no worry about catching up after rest).
9. Thou shalt not compare busyness, understanding that it only glorifies the thing that is tearing us down and wearing us out.
10. Thou shalt claim your rest as a right, not a reward.
Ultimately, rest is found in our loving Savior, Jesus. No more guilt, shame, or striving to be something you are not created to be. Beloved, rest in His beautiful forgiveness. Rest in his salvation…
If you want more information on Christ-Centered Slow Living, click HERE!
YOUR TURN…
What do you think about the healing power of rest?
Peacefully Yours,
Janelle
