“You look tired.” Three different people said these words to me last week.
I could see in the mirror they were right. But, really, who likes to be told they look tired (which really means they look awful)? No one. Especially not me.
Every spring I seem to experience this. I struggle through a season of weariness, tiredness, and hurriedness. For fun I thought I’d look back to see what I blogged about last year at this time. (I tend to write about personal experiences.) Guess what it was? One year ago this very weekend I wrote about rest. And, wouldn’t you know, here I am writing about it again. It’s time for this girl to rest.
Are you weary? Could you use some rest, too?
We often think rest means sleep, and sometimes it does. But, rest can also mean:
refreshing ease after activity; relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs
Could you use a nap? Or, what in life wearies, troubles, and disturbs you? From what could you use some rest today?
Friend, Jesus has the answer.
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28-30 MSG
I’m getting away with Him today. He’s replacing my weary with rest.
Rest is necessary for us.
Especially Jesus’ kind of rest.
Rest that can only be found in His presence. Spending time in God’s Word, praying, and listening. I’ve let my schedule and demands and stresses take my focus off of Him. (You’d think I’d learn!) When this happens, my heart gets heavy and soul weary. I’ve returned to this refreshment today, and I’m reminded I need it daily.
How about you, friend? Could you use this refreshment as well? I invite you to take some time with Him today, or if not today, very soon. Schedule it if you have to. Take a break from the rat race of this life. Turn your focus upward. Read a devotional. Dust off your Bible. Take a walk and talk to God. Allow Him to fill you back up in the ways only He can.
It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:2 MSG
We will be better equipped for the days ahead. A lift will return in our steps and a smile to our faces. We’ll feel refreshed, restored, and rejuvenated. We might even look different too! (Maybe people won’t tell me I look tired this coming week??)
Lord, replace our weary with Your rest.
Pray with me, won’t you?
Father God, You created each one of us and You know us intimately. You know we need rest. We’re tired, Father. Some of us are weary. Some of us have even tried to walk through this life on our own. Father, we need you. We need the rest that only You and Jesus can give us. Your Word says if we come to You, You will give us this rest. Draw us away from this world to spend time with You. Help us to keep our eyes on You and to listen for Your still, small voice. Renew us, Lord. Refresh us by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Please bless us with rest. We give ourselves to you today. Amen.
Feel free to pass this on to a friend who could benefit from replacing his/her weary with God’s rest.
Bless you, friend!
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