Get Back Up
I think everyone has those days. And, sometimes, those days are prolonged into weeks. Those days when just the thought of starting another day is too much and you want to check out for a while and get away…perhaps just rest.
We all get mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually tired. We might even begin the day/week well, yet something or someone does something or something happens and our energy is drained.
This happens to us all.
We Do Need Rest
Rest is restorative and it repairs our body and mind.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28 – 30
Let’s face it. Our lives are busy, very busy. Also, we’re connected to the world in real time. A lot of that is good, but a great deal of it isn’t. There’s always something negative going on and someone sharing their personal negativity.
Don’t Take On Other People’s Stresses
Can you do anything about it? Besides pray? Does it add or take away from your life? If your ministry is to help others work through their stress. That’s perfectly fine. I’m talking about all that is shared on Social Media – people’s displeasure with someone or something. People share their opinion, which may not line up with your own. Stop strolling through their stresses!
Realize God Has a Plan and a Purpose for You
When we get tired, it’s hard to ‘see’ the blessings and things that make us unique to this world. We are important in our little corner of the world and God has a plan for us. Oftentimes those things we have to do can seem to overwhelm and we lose our ‘vision’. We can lose the ‘why’ in those tasks we are given to do.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
See Rest as A Gift from God
No one knows us better than God. He knows what we’re capable of and what we will be going through. He gives everyone the rest that they need.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127
Make the Best of your Rest
Get away from those things that clutter your heart and mind. Unplug! Go to a place where you’re visually restored. Actually get some physical rest. If you can’t take a vacation – do a staycation. It is good to listen to calming, restorative music – I love the songs sung by Steve Green – they’re so in tune with God’s word and encouraging. Focus on those things that are good in your life. Write down those things you know you’re good at and those things you believe God would have you to accomplish.
Pray
The best place for rest is in the presence of God. Talk to Him. He already knows and understands – this is so good for our hearts and minds. Pray some of His word.
Psalm 86
Psalm 119:133
Psalm 16:1
Sing to and Praise God
When you’ve rested, when you’re restored – remember to praise God. Sing in your heart or out loud praises to Him and know, know just how precious you are to Him. Determine and plan afterwards your days. You can’t do it all at one time. No one can do it all – they delegate!
We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” Psalm 75:1
“I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord And the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses.” Isaiah 63:7
So, rest, restore and praise God…then move forward. After you’ve rested and have been encouraged – encourage someone else. We are here to support and to uplift one another. Someone needs you...Now, go forth – Get back Up!
