Often times we go too fast and find ourselves spinning out of control. Next comes the "crash and burn" phase which is a place none of us desire to go. We literally give till we have no more to give or go with the flow until we cannot do it anymore. Then we "hit the wall" and most times we do not even see it coming. We blame it on specific incidents but this condition is not a place that we arrive at overnight. It happens gradually and sometimes without our full attention.
I have been there before but thank God His Word still has the power to deliver…because often times the biggest thing I need to be delivered from is me. I expect things from myself that not even God does. I fail to eat right, sleep right, or take time for myself and then wonder why I do not have what it takes and what I need to live a peaceful and victorious life.
Jesus knew the importance of time and rest. He was found resting in the middle of the storm. He was found out in the desert, up on the mountain, on the other side of the shore having gone away by Himself. If He needed rest and to be alone for a time then surely we have an even greater need.
I often wonder why we are afraid to "rest." When we rest we cease action or motion, we relax, we let up temporarily. On the seventh day God rested from His creating. He stopped working and perhaps just enjoyed the wonder of His creation. We need to take times to rest and cease working so we can look and see what the Lord has done, and so that we can get renewed strength. Yes, God has made a provision for rest but we need to take Him up on it.
Someone once shared with me a "company concept" that is very fitting for our lives as believers. We are, in a sense, like a bank. People come and make withdrawals from us in many ways. They need comfort, help, companionship and they look to us for it. Many withdrawals are made but unfortunately, few people make deposits in our lives and spirits. Pretty soon funds are running low and no one can get anything of value from us.
So, what do we do? We make and take times of rest whether we feel like it or not. We also gather together with people who do not mind making deposits to go along with the withdrawals. We do not want to be like an empty ATM machine. But if we do not rest and get food for our spirits we will be emptied quite quickly.
Let me encourage you along several lines today. First of all, begin now to set aside a time of rest. Perhaps you think that is easier for me than it will ever be for you. We are all busy in different ways and I find it very difficult to set aside time too. Recently I have been suffering from chronic insomnia and my "spiritual funds" have very quickly been depleted. Thus I offer you this advice knowing I need to act on it as well.
It is not quantity but quality time I am speaking of. Some people can get more rest in thirty minutes then most get in thirty days. It will take discipline and perhaps practice but it will be well worth it. So, get alone…no books, no phones, no deadlines, and no immediate goals. Let go and relax in the Arms of Your Father.
Secondly, find someone who can make deposits in your spirit. This is not an option but a necessity lest you end up bankrupt in the Lord. Receive and breath deposit and your account will quickly be replenished. Find what you need in The Word and in the hearts of God’s people. Only then will you have what is necessary to allow people’s withdrawals to be of great value. They will get what they need and you will still have plenty left to give.
It is not a sin to rest and actually the Bible tells us it is essential. May you begin to find rest even now and may your strength be renewed.
"And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat."
Mark 6:31
Mark 6:31
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