The Christmas decorations are down and tucked safely away for next year. The calendar has officially turned to 2017. A brand new year stretches out before us. The thought of new and fresh excites me. Happy New Year, to each of you.
Yesterday, I glanced through an email from Michael Hyatt about his top ten blog posts for 2016 and I was struck by the fact that among his top ten posts was one on Why He takes a Nap Every Day.https://michaelhyatt.com/why-you-should-take-a-nap-every-day.html
I’m not a napper but what hit me was the fact that many of us are over tired and worn out. Out to change the world, we get sucked into mindless busyness. Rushing. Striving. Checking items off your “to do” list and moving on to the next task. The problem with mindless busyness is that our hearts become detached and our passion dies. We live life with an internal sense of hurry.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us, “There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). Author Shelly Miller in her profound book, Rhythms of Rest, writes, “Sabbath is a foreign language to the native tongue of a busy culture, a curious oddity in an overtired church.” https://www.amazon.com/Rhythms-Rest-Finding-Spirit-Sabbath/dp/0764218433/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483365596&sr=8-1&keywords=Shelly+Miller
As I’ve been thinking about rest, I realize I need to be more intentional about establishing rhythms of rest in 2017. And, I’m guessing you need to be more intentional as well. Why?
• Without rest, you can’t hear God’s voice. Every part of our lives is inundated with noise; Cell phones, T.V. Social media and email. Amidst all the words, the tyranny of the urgent drowns out the small whisper of God’s voice. Yet, God’s voice is what we crave most.
• Without rest your creativity ceases. During a particularly rushed season of ministry I commented to Steve that I felt like my creativity had died. Ever felt that way? Creativity only thrives in a well-rested soul. God created us this way and set the example in His creativity. After six days of creating He rested. (Genesis 1). Profound. If you feel like your creativity has taken a hit lately, reflect on how much rest you’ve been getting.
• Without rest your passion dies and you live life detached. When you rest and allow God to revive you, He restores your lost passion and revives your fervor.
As you enter 2017, take a day to rest and simply enjoy God’s presence. He invites, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Ask Him what new patterns you might need to put in place in 2017 in order to live your life fully present and engaged.
And, hey, I’m curious, How do you find time for Sabbath rest in your busy life? Do you take a nap? Leave a comment here and let me know.
6 Responses
Kathy Burrus
My word for 2017 is EnJoy! But as I read your post, I remembered that I can’t enjoy; anything if I haven’t rested- spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically.
Today is a day for rest!
Kathy
Becky
Yes! I agree!!!much love to you, Kathy!
Dawn Wilson
I did make a decision to be more attentive to rest in 2016 (out of necessity, my health), and it made a huge difference. I’ve stopped making Sundays “catch up on work in the afternoon” days. I’ve included “stop-and-rest” and “stop-and-nap” spaces, when needed. I’m not crowding as much into my schedule, and I’m not working late into the nights unless on a deadline (when I couldn’t finish in the daytime). I take “rest breaks” in the middle of my workday: a walk outside for a few minutes, a little time to play with my dog or tend to something in my garden, setting my timer and relaxing with eyes closed on the couch, looking away from my PC and out the window to a distant hillside, focusing for a few minutes (phone or email) with a friend because I tend to be task-oriented and need to be more relationship-oriented… things like that. I think a key word in your post is “revive.” When we allow God to revive us (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically), we are renewed many times over for the work at hand, and more creative too. Blessings on your work… and your rest … in 2017, Becky!
Becky
I love these thoughts, Dawn!!!! Yes, when we don’t stop and rest sometimes God forces us to lay down in green pastures!~ Huge Hugs to you as you continue your “rest” journey and I highly recommend Shelly Miller’s book!
Poppy Smith
I so agree with Dawn. True rest is so much more than taking naps for me. It is saying No to what brings a sense of stress, like too many deadlines one after another. I realize we’re all different but intentionally and prayerfully assessing what is my assignment from the Lord and what is my conditioned response is helping me simplify plans for 2017.
Becky
Yes!! I agree Poppy. I spent yesterday as a day of prayer, praise and personal reflection asking God what His desires are for me and asking for wisdom for what to say yes to and what to say no to. Hugs to you