“Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.”
– Hebrews 4:1
When was the last time you took a day off without an agenda? How long has it been since you intentionally slowed down your pace enough to consider where you are and where you want to be a year from now? I believe many of us get so caught up in the hamster wheel of life that we lose sight of why we do what we do. While routines are good, if we’re not careful, they can take us captive, and we end up serving them instead of the other way around. This is why I believe passionately in the importance of resting and investing in you! Does it sound unorthodox to say that it’s just as important to have fun as it is to work? To many of you, it may, and yet the reality is that you can’t have one without the other. In the same way it’s imperative to work hard and use the gifts God has given to you, it’s equally important to take care of yourself, which typically means taking a break from the grind of daily life. It’s critical that you make the time to rest, to play, to spend time with the Lord and with friends, to recharge, to grow, and to be an individual. You are not a machine! As you assume and carry out your daily roles, whether it’s being a parent, spouse, employee, pastor, volunteer, or employer, you need to have a full cup. When you are empty on the inside, you can’t freely give to others, and the more you run your engine without the proper fuel, the more damage you do to your soul. This is why the Lord commands us, as His children, to enter into Sabbath rest. It’s not intended to be crippling, but rather to be healing. Friend, you are a precious treasure to the One who made you and He says that you are worth investing in. He values you and cares about the health of your mind, body, and soul. Isn’t that great news? |
Prayer
Jesus, help me to see rest in the same way you do and to embrace it as a vital part of my life. Show me how I can best invest in me.
Reflection
Do you embrace intentional opportunities to rest? How do you invest in yourself?
2 Responses
“As you assume and carry out your daily roles, whether it’s being a parent, spouse, employee, pastor, volunteer, or employer, you need to have a full cup.” Why are all of us who are retired never are thought of in sermons or that there are many spiritual help that should be addressed. I hear people who are retired , young or old, who feel they are done with life and have very little to look forward to except another day. I don’t feel this way but it should be something the Hour of Power should think about.
Thank you.
Hi Joe! Thank you so much for the suggestion. We will take that into account in the future, and we certainly agree that those who are retired still have many good gifts to sow into the world. We appreciate your insight! God loves you and so do we!!