Being Intentional with Your Rest
What would your life look like if you were just as intentional about the rest the Lord invites you to take as you were about the work He calls you to do?
Think about it. Work doesn’t just happen. We write To Do lists to help us stay focused on the tasks at hand. We schedule meetings to plan, discuss, brainstorm, and check in on our work and the work of others. We place deadlines on tasks and set measurable goals to indicate success. We approach our work with a purpose, with deliberate actions, with intention.
What about our rest? Too many of us leave our rest for the leftover spaces, the crumbs of our days. God wants more for us - for YOU. He invites you to experience His rest in your everyday living, in your day-to-day working. God cares about both your work and your rest, but He intentionally made rest holy. What would happen in your life if you did, too?
What is one small step you can take today to be intentional about your rest?
5 Easy Ways to Be Intentional with Your Rest
Schedule it. Add a “meeting with God” every morning. If you find yourself rushing around in the morning helping get everyone ready for school and the day (including yourself), consider it a “huddle with God.” It can be short and sweet.
Take it outside. Go for a walk and be mindful of your surroundings. Look for the beauty of the Lord. Give prayers of thanksgiving as you walk. Share your struggles with Him. We can bring Jesus our burdens any time. He doesn’t say to save them all up for Sunday morning or for when we breakdown from the stress of carrying them ourselves.
Breathe it in and breathe it out. Breathe prayers can calm your mind by connecting you to the source of peace — Jesus. It’s something you can do throughout your day. Take a slow, deep breath in and say (or think): Lord, I trust You. Then exhale slowly while saying (or thinking): You bring me peace.
Affirm it. Biblical affirmations declare what the scripture says is true about you. Speaking truth over your life can calm anxious thoughts and fears by reminding you of His truth. Try speaking this affirmation based on Psalm 46 or create your own: I know that being still means trusting God to move.
Sleep on it. Jesus took naps. When He felt tired, He rested. He still had work to do yet He made the choice to rest. Sometimes it’s not about pressing on to get the job done despite feeling weary. Sometimes stepping away and taking a nap can be the fuel needed to continue the work He gives you to complete.
Need more rest? Join the club.
Well, it’s not an actual club with a free secret decoder ring, but you will receive a digital download of my 4-Day Devotional, Simplifying Rest, as a free gift. It’s a sneak peak of my 28-day devotional, Simplifying Rest. Plus, once a month I’ll send you encouragement and resources to help you get the rest you need. YES! I need more rest!