Hype music, energy infusions, vitamins, caffeine, cold water, exercise, breathing techniques, sunlight, social interaction, rubber bands to the wrist…. Some of us have tried one or all of these methods to stay awake when experiencing a drowsy time. Maybe we are excessively sleepy due to self-inflicted sleep deprivation. Perhaps the sleep input is adequate, but the output of emotional energy, hectic schedules, and full days have created a drain that feels like a vacuum sucking the very life out of us. Much of what drives us to spin our wheels is wonderful, so we feed the very beast that takes from us by giving it more of our time and energy. Add to it that sometimes what pushes us past our limits is done in the name of Jesus – to do what we are “called” to, and to do “for” Him – then we have a big dollop of misplaced guilt adding to the weariness whirlwind.
Admittedly, adrenaline, caffeine, and a(n) (un)healthy dose of FOMO (fear of missing out) often keep me “in the game” when I feel myself drifting into the droopy zone. Exhaustion comes calling when I refuse to push the pause button, and don’t take a break ‘til it’s done. Instead of delegating, I insist on doing something myself. I convince myself that no one can do it as well as a ragged-out, bleary-eyed, over-processed me! Why wait until I am fresh and excited about a task and can happily engage others? Why not push through, stressed-out and agitated, and take my mental maelstrom out on others? After all, it needed to be done yesterday, or the day before, so my impertinence is totally excusable. Everyone will understand why I am acting less like Jesus and more like…well, you know who. Right? Um, no.
Most frenetic frenzy is well-intentioned, but by the time we reach the desired end, we have managed to wreak havoc on our bodies, minds, and spirits, and likely on our relationships, as well.
Heaven forbid someone mention to us that perhaps we should take a beat. To rest! The way we respond (ok, the way I respond) is like someone just socked us (me) in the gut! Rather than taking in a caring friend’s suggestion as someone who can see our plight, we bite back as though they had some nerve to suggest that perhaps we cannot move the mountain all by ourselves, on no rest. How dare they!
Rest IS a four-letter word, but it is NOT a cussword!
Let’s look at a guy who sets an amazing example of balance. He was a teacher. He had lots of speaking engagements, as well as personal meetings. When he was headed somewhere in particular, He was often interrupted by someone, or a group of someones, who wanted His time and attention – which He freely gave. He was popular so people flocked to Him, but like anyone who draws attention, He also faced opposition. His opponents threw in unscheduled visits, sabotaged His peaceful gatherings, and stirred up others against Him. He threw great parties, feeding massive amounts of people in an organized and filling fashion…yet He always made time for rest. This guy is Jesus!
Jesus built in time for rest and individual, personal prayer. Luke 5:16 tells us that crowds of people followed Jesus, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” In Mark 6: 31, the disciples had been ministering to people and hadn’t had time to eat. Jesus encouraged them to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Luke 22: 39-41 tells us that Jesus went “as usual” to the Mount of Olives to pray and be alone with God, His Father.
The Bible contains over 100 verses that direct us to rest. King David refers to the Lord as a Shepherd who leads us into rest: “The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” (Psalm 23: 1-3)
If the Lord, God, who is WAY WAY busier than us and has more pressing things to do, leads by example in directing us to rest, it would be in our best interest to do it! So, even if it is only in our minds, let’s head to our favorite spots where we feel the presence of Jesus, curl up in His lap, and….REST!
