Resting to Restore
Hurry. Hustle. Go. Do. Achieve. Fix. How many of your days begin with thoughts like these at the front of your mind? Adulthood is marked by the pressures of so much to do and never enough time. There are due dates, bills to pay, people to speak to, and things that demand our attention.
We need reminding—as we did when we were children—sometimes it’s time to rest, even if we didn’t get our list of chores done. Jesus’ disciples were healthy men with energy and skills, but even they became overwhelmed by the strain of attending to a constant stream of needs. Jesus noticed this and called them away to be alone and get some much-needed rest.
No matter how great our capacity is, we all have limits. Even those with tremendous energy and passion need time to rest. It's not a sign of failure. It's a sign of trust in God.
Jesus took naps and spent time alone to regroup and rest. He made plans for His disciples to do the same. His pattern and invitation are there for us, too. He knows we need downtime.
If you’re exhausted, how might Jesus be inviting you to get away and rest in His presence? As you look around and see others who are weary and heavy-laden—maybe not even stopping to eat—how might you bless them by helping them to take a break?
Luke 8
“And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears...
What’s Inside of You?
Have you ever made a poor decision and thought, "Why did I do that?”
In the Old Testament, the heart was considered the center of inner life, and people believed it dictated thoughts, emotions, and actions. It was essentially a combination of someone’s soul and mind.
When Proverbs 4:23 tells us to “guard our hearts," what it’s essentially saying is to pay careful attention to how you fill your inner life.
What goes into your soul and mind determines what comes out of your mouth. And what you say influences your actions and decisions. While you might not notice the effect your choices have on you today—over time, they will impact the direction of your life.
So how do we intentionally take care of our inner lives?
Our bodies were made by God, which means the thing they need most is God. He is the One who sustains us. So some of the best things we can do for ourselves is to intentionally seek God through prayer, studying Scripture, reflecting on His...