We all need to rest– but why is that so hard and come with so much guilt? Vicki shares how rest should be a priority.
“Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of.” (Hebrews 4:11).
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get paid for resting? I’d apply for that job. Or would I?
When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), my brother, Ken, gave me some advice. He related a conversation he had with our son about music.
“I asked Rob what’s the hardest part about being a drummer. He told me, ‘The rests.’ So, Vic, plan rests.” Ken knew my nonstop way of living wouldn’t be good for my health and that I would need to rest.
An inattentive percussionist in an orchestra can ruin the song. A clash of symbols at the wrong time would be disrupting. Halting the performance. Similarly, if I don’t pay attention to my need for rest, my performance could be halted.
Hebrews refers to that rest—the final rest. Arriving in heaven requires resting from works. Understanding we can’t earn our divine reservation with Him in glory. And trusting in Christ’s completed work on the cross.
But, that verse also speaks to me about making an effort to rest. What a challenge it is to be diligent to enter rest.
Why don’t I want to rest? Is it because I’m still in a bit of denial that I have MS? Perhaps, it’s because resting is a foreign concept to me. Maybe, I don’t want to miss out on the fun everyone else is having. It might be that I’m not committed to changing old habits.
My reluctance to rest proves I’m resisting my need for new priorities. It’s necessary for me to stop and recharge my body.
We have access to free fuel for our bodies and souls–unlimited strength. In Isaiah 41:10 God promises, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”
People often ask, “What do you do?” I used to answer, “I teach.”
But now I think of resting as part of my job. It requires diligence. Nowadays when people ask me what I do, I reply, “My job is to take care of myself so I can serve the Lord however He chooses to use me.”
Prayer: Dear Father, When I am still in Your presence, I’m revived. Help me remember to schedule times for rest. Remove all barriers to that rest. Including any denial that I need rest. Continue to heal the grief I experience over losses due to my disease. In Jesus’ name, Amen>
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
What do you think of when someone tells you you need to rest? If you imagine you’re applying for the job of ‘rest expert’ what would you list as your qualifications?
Do you need to rest? Here is a worship song, Rest in Me by Todd Vaters. We hope the music and lyrics touch you today and you either rest–or struggle to rest!
I sing in the choir at my church, and we struggle with the same thing in the music – observing the rests and not doing anything. On a larger scale, I have a history of epileptic seizures that can come right back if I get myself too tired, and I get clumsy and walk into things, so some days I just have to remind myself that it is just as important for me to keep my body rested, or I won’t be able to sing with the choir at all.
I know I should rest each day to help myself with Trigeminal Neuralgia but I put it as the last thing of the day to do. What was so important that it had to get done yesterday? I have no idea but at the time it seemed like I absolute had to get it done. Only adding more and more stress to my life. I am slowly learning and can’t thank all of the wonderful people who write articles like this. I have started to copy them and put them in a binder. When I am feeling especially low I take the binder and open it anywhere and get so much comfort from the bible verses and the stories behind each one. I still feel like such an infant in searching out my Lord and Savior. Slowly realizing it is a journey. Thank you again for this!
Thank you for this powerful reminder to rest in in God. I needed that today as my pain is higher and there is so much I want to accomplish. It is clear that I have to put “rest” on the top of my “to do” list in order to accomplish anything at all. The worship song touched me greatly. Thank you.
Oh Vicki, thank you soooooo much for the God-given analogy of rest to the rests in music! That was a beautiful reminder of the part I’m playing in the music with my resting. Needed that today. A truly significant message for me. Thanks. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Dear Melanie,
Maybe we should think of rest for our bodies as beautiful music.
Dear Mary,
What a great idea to copy the articles and put them in a binder for quick reminders! Thanks for the compelling comment to deliberately search out our Lord and Savior. What an amazing journey we travel!
Dear Constance,
I’ve had to listen to my own advice just today. I overdid it yesterday @ a college reunion. So today, I had to tell my husband that I can’t do anything but rest.
Dear Kerryn,
Glad the devotional spoke to your heart. I need prayer to continue watching MY rests!
This is a tough one for me. Lately I don’t have a choice mitochondrial disease is the BIG M. Chronic pain runs right with it all. So thank you for the answer to my reason for resting. I still have the Lord’s work to do and He has something for me even if it is praying for others.
Hi Vicky!
I love this statement: “My job is to take care of myself so I can serve the Lord however He chooses to use me.”
I think that’s a learning process. We’ve been taught from our early years to do, do, do and it’s hard to suddenly (or maybe not so suddenly) leave things undone or find ways of delegated them so that we can take proper care of ourselves. We also don’t want anyone to think we’re lazy. But it’s really what God thinks that’s most important and I’m finding a new contentment in putting that into practice. I still have a long way to go, but I’m hopeful that He’ll continue to help me grow up.
Praying that we’ll all have the grace to follow His leading day by day.
Blessings,
Beth
Dear Marilyn,
Praying is everything! I personally understand the frustration of wanting to do more (at least what I used to be able to do) – to feel more useful. But when I think of what it’s like to be on the receiving end of prayers, I’m exceedingly grateful for those prayer warriors on my behalf.
Dear Beth,
What a great prayer: Father, help us find ‘grace to follow Your leading day by day.’