The Priority of Rest

As I pondered what to write for this devotional a recurring theme kept coming up, one that I need to practice more and more. In my quiet time, I read this verse:

As a busy and active mom, I have little time for stillness or for finding quiet. But I have learned over the years (sometimes the hard way), that quieting my heart and being still before the Lord is necessary. If I want my emotions to be steady and I want my thoughts and actions to bring glory to the Lord then it isn’t optional. If I want my family to be grounded in Christ and if I desire for my friends to be spurred on towards Jesus then I must learn to be still and rest. We were created and commanded to rest—to quiet our souls—so that Jesus can mold us and use us to bring Him glory. In the same way that our Creator has made seasons and rhythms of rest in nature, we too were created to rest. We fight ourselves on it, seeking to be as busy as possible to feel successful. But how many of us feel at peace as we sit for hours before the ocean waves at the beach? It refreshes our soul. The lapping of the waves calms our minds. We need the rest, it flows naturally if we will be obedient to the way our Maker designed us.

Not only were we created to rest, but we were commanded to rest. Scripture points out in the old and new testament that it is in our best interest to rest. This isn’t a Sunday nap rest; this is a quiet my soul, still myself and allow the Holy Spirit to wash over me and prepare me for what is ahead. So how do we practice this? We need to learn to say “no” first. In a world that wants us to say yes to everything and everyone, Christians need to practice saying “no” or “let me get back to you” before we just add one more thing to the list. Secondly, before I start my day, have I submitted everything on my to-do list to the Lord? Have I asked Him what He wants me to do? Do I give Him a chance to look over the things I hope to accomplish today? We were created for rest, we were commanded to rest. It’s not impossible to put into practice, but it does require discipline. I hope we can practice it together this week my friends. I’ll be right there beside you.

Bee-Attitude

Blessed are you who prioritize your rest in Jesus, for you will be given the peace and endurance to bring glory to God.

_{Scriptures: Mark 2:27-28; Matthew 11:28; Exodus 33:14; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalms 127}

Author Profile

Honey Teal

Honey Teal is the wife of Pastor Jason Teal of First Baptist Church of Barnesville, mother to four girls, and a kindergarten assistant teacher. She loves being with her family and friends and spending time outdoors, especially on the soccer field. Honey enjoys listening to music, reading, camping, and working on puzzles. More important than that, she finds her identity in Jesus, who has made her into the woman she has become.

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