Rejoicing in Resting || A Devotional

Happy June 1st everyone! Amazing that Summer is right around the corner, right? School is out and people are planning trips and vacations! But what I think of during the summer months is resting. I know, I know, my summers are usually pretty busy, but in general, there's a little more time for special projects and just taking a minute to relax. Today, we’re gonna take a few minutes to rejoice in resting!

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Anyone else have trouble just quieting your mind to rest? Does your schedule just overflow with unfinished tasks? Anxiety threatening to swallow you up? I am one of those people that panics if my list isn’t completely marked off. It’s stressful and I just end up getting nowhere. Not very restful.

So, today, we’re gonna look at a few things that will help de-stress, rest our minds and remember Who to turn to when life just gets to be too much; even on a busy day! Maybe not a normal devotional format, but it’s one I think is needed. Because God wants us to bring our cares to Him and rejoice in resting in His loving embrace! Here’ some ways to help you rejoice in the gift of rest!

1| Pray. I tend to speed pray. I’m afraid I’ll forget something, even if I have a list! So I have to consciously remind myself not to run the words together in a frantic race. God has time and we do too. Even if it’s while washing dishes, just rest the rat race in your head and slowly, bear your heart to the Lord. Tell Him about your day. Tell Him you are stressed and need help. Just tell Him! You’d be surprised at how much this helps calm your mind.

2| Read Your Bible. You saw this coming 😉 Seriously though, even if it’s one verse that you ponder all day, read something from the Bible daily, preferably first thing in the morning. This instantly makes me more at ease and reminds me that God is still in control! He knows what I am going through and has a verse for whatever I am facing!

3| Make a Realistic To-Do List. No more than three main household tasks to start with. Don’t even look at the other things. Get those three things done. Then take a short, but reasonable break. Read a chapter of a book or play a game with the littles in your life if that’s an option. Or take a 15-minute walk outside, weather permitting. Something, but at least 15 minutes. Then tackle three more things. And keep that process doing and look back at the end of the day to see how much you have accomplished.

4| Take time to rest. This goes back to those 15-minute breaks. I recommend taking time to pray during these breaks as well, listen to relaxing music as you work, or pick a verse of scripture to memorize, occupying your mind with things worthwhile. Calming things. Don’t empty your mind; the devil will gladly clutter it for you. Fill it with the things of God. Let Him fill your mind and rest will follow.

I understand there are days that even 15 minutes might not be plausible. But by making a habit of filling your mind and home with the Word of God and keeping yourself ever in His presence, even those crazy days can be less stressful. Just give it to the Lord!

How do you rejoice in resting? When you get off track, what do you do? Share your thoughts and tips below!

God Bless and God Bless America!
Ryana Lynn
Jude 22