Friday, June 16, 2023
My husband, John, and I recently took a trip to Sevierville, Tennessee, and stayed in a cabin. It was so restful. We took time to enjoy each other, the beauty in nature that surrounded us, and the local people and cuisine.
For us, as a couple, it is essential to take time to renew and refresh at least once a year. We’ve learned the importance of accepting the invitation for rest that Jesus extends. Only he offers true rest and replenishment.
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
As Ben explained, replenishment is holistic. Taking time to pause, eliminate distractions, and add what is life-giving must be intentional! The enemy creates diversions to keep us from focusing on God the Father, Jesus his Son, and the Spirit within. That’s why God gave us the blessing of the Sabbath.
Mark 2:27
Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
At the same time, it is essential to engage in purposeful work throughout the week. I have developed a morning routine—with the help of the LivingItOut and the YouVersion app—that gives me purposeful devotionals, Bible study, and prayer time. I meet weekly with a Group of like-minded people who enrich my understanding. Each month, I meet with a spiritual accountability partner, and annually, I go on a Christian Women’s retreat in Miers, Michigan. These are the things that replenish me. It is blessed to rest!
We need to set aside time to spend in the presence of our Maker in order to accomplish the purpose he has for us. We are called human beings for a reason; otherwise, wouldn’t we be called human doings? If we don’t spend time with God, how are we to know what purpose he has planned for us? From where are we to draw the strength for the tasks ahead? Learning to balance work and rest isn’t selfish, it’s selfless. You can’t give what you don’t have—and you can’t have what you don’t go to the Father and ask for.
Questions:
Do you set aside purposeful time daily, weekly, monthly, and annually to grow your spiritual well-being? Are you able to practice being in God’s presence? Does it bring you rest?
Next Steps:
Read the LivingItOut devotional daily. Make a plan to spend time resting in the Father’s hands daily, weekly, monthly, and annually. Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable.
Prayer:
Father, we are so blessed when we find rest in you. Thank you for reminding us to set aside purposeful, life-giving time to spend in your presence. Show each person who develops this practice how much more effective we can be at our work when we start the week being replenished by your Spirit. Continue to teach us and hold us accountable to your Word and each other. Bring us closer to you and to one another. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Ecclesiastes 9:17
“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.”