Rythms of rest

If you’re like me it’s hard to rest. Really rest. I’m talking internal rest in who you are and who you belong to. There is a type of safety that comes from knowing you are the one that He loves.

I find myself struggling to rest on days that I know that I need to. Not because it’s hard but it presses on those internal heart issues. It presses on the button of not enough, worthless and lazy, for me.

I told taught growing up that if you didn’t work you didn’t eat. If you didn’t work then you didn’t have money. It also meant that something was wrong with you and you were lazy, entitled.

But it’s not true at all!

Yes, it’s important for us to work. And I bet in the big picture you wouldn’t have some of these things if you never worked at all. Working is good for the soul! It gives us something to contribute and to be proud of. It gives us a sense of purpose and a purpose fulfilled.

Rest is important too. It not only allows you to recoup and rejuvenate. It allows you to recover from what you were just working on and it prepares you for the rhythm of work you are about to enter into. Rest is important. Not only that, rest reminds you that you are not what you do.

Rest reminds you that your worth and value aren’t in what you do and can do. They aren’t built in your ability. Rest points you to the father. To dependence on Him and His provision of your next steps. It’s a daily reminder to surrender. That you can’t possibly do what He has for you on your own.

We were never supposed to be fulfilled and to fulfill His work on our own. Resting reminds us that we are dependent and that is right where we need to be. Held by the father. In His great plan and in His hands. Him, all knowing of the future and steps you will take.

Slow down He tells me, be patient. It will come. For now, enjoy the ride. Do what you are supposed to daily and it will come to you. It has to, it’s meant for you.

So I learn to lean in to rest. Internal and external. I teach my heart to rest in His security and my body to rest from it’s busyness. I teach my heart to reframe the words “lazy” to hope filled future dependent on God. You are wise, you know internally what your soul and spirit need. You live dependently on the one who made you and you will know what to do in what season to do it.

But for now, soul, rest my dear friend, and replenish your soul for the next go around. You deserve all that is coming to you. In time, my dear friend. Now rest.