Soul Care - Practices of Rest
by Mary Elsbury
Do you feel like you are burning the candle at both ends on some days? I often find that the harder I work, the less I accomplish. When the need to get things done overwhelms us, we lose perspective and can get fatigued. But do we stop and take a break? For many of us the answer is a resounding “no!”
God has a better plan. In a world where busyness is king, our Father beckons us to rest, to maintain a Sabbath so that we can know Him more deeply. A Sabbath imparts the rest of God – actual physical, spiritual, and mental rest – that allows us to slow down and drink in the things of God’s nature and presence. This rest is essential to our faith and spiritual walk.
Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This is an invitation to put down the phone, turn the television off, and stop doing your normal routine. This can be done on a specific day of the week. Many Christians acknowledge Sunday as a day of rest. The world used to close stores and families gathered around a table for a meal. Now on a Sunday, we feel the push to go shopping, eat out, take kids to ball games – no pausing at all.
Designating a day or time of rest applies to our thoughts and actions. We need to change our minds and ways and put into practice rhythms of rest. Here are some ideas for leaning into God’s Sabbath.
Take a moment to read through Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and see if there be any wicked way in me.” Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one thought or attitude that is misleading you. Maybe it is shame, a temptation, pride, or an insecurity. Whatever it might be, ask God to change your mind and end with “And lead me in the way everlasting” (verse 24).
Go on a walk. Take in your surroundings and notice the little things, like a slight breeze blowing, flowers blooming, clouds in the sky, etc. Thank God for creating these moments and experiences that evoke a memory of days past. Realize that He is the Creator of the Universe and that you can rest in His goodness and sovereignty.
Create something. Maybe you like to paint, knit, or crochet. Take a breath and delve into adding some paint on a canvas or using yarn to design a prayer shawl or baby blanket. For me, it’s taking some cardstock, printed paper, and making a card to send to a friend. As your undertaking comes to life, relax and remember how your piece might bless someone who is lonely, or needs a word of encouragement.
Practice listening. We live amid noise. Having a Sabbath rest is when we stop and cease from what is necessary by turning to what gives us life – the Word of God. Read a passage and then listen. Don’t rush through it but rather pause and read it slowly. What is God saying to you? Ask God for clarity and understanding.
Many years ago, a man named Brother Lawrence wrote a book called, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” As a monk, Lawrence served in the kitchen, washing dishes. In this quietness, he came to recognize that God is always listening and watching and even speaking to us – we just need to slow down enough to notice. Today, we are more like Martha (Luke 10:38-42) with the many distractions that bombard us, rather than taking the time to be aware of God. Bro. Lawrence’s book reminds us that anywhere, everywhere, in anything, we can be with God. He is longing for you and invites you to be present and available.
We are all tired and need a break from the rat race of life. God prepared Sabbath for us from the very start of Creation. “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people...” (Jesus, Mark 2:27). It’s a day that He intended to bless us. So how are you going to rest?
