“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
I am a “DOer.” I can’t ever remember being anything else. And while it is true that God made us for work, I am coming to learn that while there is a season for work, there is also a season for rest.
I am the oldest of five girls and from a very young age I can recall being responsible for something or someone. Oh sure, Mom had to remind me to do things like any typical kid, but from a young age, progress was found in the form of DO. This, of course, followed me into adulthood where schedules and commitments became another word for success.
And so “The Rush” was born.
I am in a season of LISTEN and the Lord is revealing to me some deep seated places in my heart that require a transformation. Today, the Lord is encouraging me to lay down the rush.
The challenge to balance the rush with rest is a difficult one, but one that the Lord is inviting us to embrace, not only for our health but for His glory. If you too struggle with laying down the rush, perhaps one of these invitations will help in your own season:
Be Still and See:
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:14
Too often I am in a hurry and forget to stop and look for His fingerprints. They are everywhere and often help in a circumstance beyond our control. What if I learn to slow down, be still and see that He is with me?
Let Go of that which You are not designed to Carry:
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
This has become a daily prayer of mine. God doesn’t want us to sit in the weight of our weariness and burden. What if I learn to let go of the things and people that I am not designed to carry and instead sit in the peace of His Presence?
I Have You in My Hand:
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
We ARE safe in His arms. Is this a struggle to remember? Yes, me too, but it’s true. Even in the midst of our greatest struggle we can rest in the knowledge that He has us in His righteous right Hand. What if I let go of the worry and rest in His Safe Harbor?
Trust in Me:
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3
Trust isn’t an abstract thought, but an intentional action that leads us into peace. What if, every morning, I intentionally speak the words, “I trust you” and sit in the reminders of His faithfulness?
Rest and Be Refreshed:
The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul. Psalm 23:1-3a
This is a hard one for me. Honestly, I often feel guilty for taking a Sabbath. I believe that God knew this and therefore made a command to rest, just as He rested. What if I schedule times of rest and solitude? Declare margin in my day to allow the Lord to refresh my soul?
Will you join me in laying down the Rush? Write down one of the invitations above that the Lord encourages us to and allow Him to refresh your soul.
Perhaps through rest, our Father will reveal how much more effective our DO can truly be .
Father,
Thank You for all that You have called us to. Thank You for purpose and for work. Thank You God for writing us into Your Story and giving us an opportunity to serve You and others. Lord, I pray that just as You empower us to DO that You will empower us to rest. I pray that we will prioritize You and be refreshed through moments of intentional rest. In so doing, I pray Lord that we will not be a rushed generation, but instead be steadfast and purposeful in all that You have called us to.
Thank You Lord, for the transformation You are working in my heart.
Your Daughter
Thank you to Emma Przybysz for the lovely Butterfly photo!