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. If we’re not careful we can burnout. And then it takes a lot of resting to restore our vitality.
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.
Taking naps are amazing!
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? {Mark: 6:31-32}
Let your light shine
You can be the change that the world needs to see! Perhaps your impact may not be global but you are able to be a blessing to a friend, family member, neighbor, or stranger. If you have been practicing effective selfcare you’re in a position to help those around you who really need practical assistance if they’re going through a challenging season. You can shine your light of joy and encourage them when they need it the most. You may not be able to change the whole world but you can bring change to the world around you!
~This post is part of the daily devotional found in the YouVersion Bible App.
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