Week 4

Give Yourself Permission to Rest

We must drink deeply from the very Source of deep calm

And peace of interior quietude and refreshment of God,

Allowing the pure water of divine grace to flow plentifully

From the source itself.

Mother Teresa

Introduction:

This morning I read in Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling, “Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The journey has been too much for you, and you are bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take charge of your life.”

Have you ever felt “bone-weary”? I certainly have! In this chapter we’re going to talk about rest. Why do you think so many of us performers are exhausted and stressed out? As I mention in the book, I’ve spent considerable time thinking about this and have concluded that there are a number of factors that suck us into a whirlwind of busyness. Here are just a few:

• The never-ending to-do list. If I don’t do it, who will?
• The pressure to produce. Productivity feeds our insatiable appetite to accomplish and succeed. But when is enough enough, and who defines success?
• The quest for financial security. Many women work more than forty hours a week in order to make ends meet, but at what cost?
• Our addiction to applause. A full calendar feeds our egos. After all, if my calendar is full, I must be important, right?

Can you relate to any of those? As performers we take on too much and end up stressed out. We feel guilty resting.  Jesus, however, taught a different lifestyle. He told a tiny parable with big implications for every stressed out performer.

The Parable of the Growing Seed

In case you haven’t already, read Mark 4:26-29. What do you think is the point of Jesus’ story? I believe the point is that Jesus is teaching us the importance of living a balanced life. 

The grace glimpse taught in this parable is:

Grace invites me to a balanced lifestyle that includes

both work and rest.

Though our society glorifies busyness, Jesus actually had quite a bit to say about rest. Check out these verses:

• Matthew 11:29-30
• Mark 6:31

Even though God invites us to join Him in sharing His grace with others, He calls us to live a balanced life. So how do we embrace the rhythm of grace in our lives? On pages 77-80 I give these suggestions…

• Respond to the movement of the Holy Spirit, not to every whim of your heart.
• Set boundaries and don’t step beyond them.
• When new opportunities come, don’t immediately say yes.
• Plant seeds, don’t preach.
• Nurture relationships; don’t view people as projects.

So how do we embrace much needed rest? What does it look like for you to practice self-care, sanctuary, and Sabbath?

For Next Week

1. Read Chapter 4 in Freedom From Performing and complete the Daily Dose of Grace.
2. Write this week’s Grace Glimpse on an index card and tape it to your mirror. Every time you look at it remind yourself that God’s grace invites you to live a balanced life of both work and rest.

Group Discussion – Answer one or more of the following questions and leave a comment.

1. Look back over the list of culprits that keep us from resting. Which one can you relate to most and why?
2. Read through the section called “Taking Time For Rest” (p.80-83). Which one do you most need to put into practice this week?
3. Read back over the suggestions for rest in the moment (p.84-86). Try one of the suggestions, and then share your reflections with others participating in the study.
4. What was your favorite part of this chapter, and how did God use that in your life?