Take a Break!

 

My husband went off on a men’s retreat for the weekend.  Men time and God time.  He needs them both.  A change of pace, a change of scenery.  Both are good for the soul.  Time to wind down, step away from the busyness of life and recharge.

That sounds good to me.  I feel like I am always busy, though life has definitely slowed down now that the kids are no longer home.  I remember the days when we were running all over the place for soccer and field hockey games, fitting in small group and church activities, on top of work and the kids’ school commitments.  I watch friends do it now and wonder how we ever managed. 

Because my friend Julie's husband was also on the retreat, I spent Saturday morning with her to help with the 10 month old triplets. Wow, talk about a busy schedule.  Imagine everything times three, all at once.  It was so much fun getting to feed each baby and play with them, but after a few hours I was more in need of a nap then they were.

Why is it not until we get older that we really gain an appreciation for a good nap?  It is almost as if we are afraid to admit we need to slow down and take a break.  After all those years of running in high gear, I am finally recognizing the importance of rest.  It helps to not only rejuvenate my body, but my mind and spirit as well.   I used to always say that I wasn't a good mother after 9pm.  I'm not a nice person when I need a nap either.

Are you worn out, burned out or stressed out?  Do you feel depleted because you are trying to juggle too many things?  How many times have you asked someone how they are and their response is BUSY!  It’s hard to find someone who isn’t.  We work all day and then fill up our evenings as well.  And after a crazy week of work, there are all those home projects and "to-do lists" that require our attention.  

This is not how God wants us to live.  Jesus tells us to come to him if we are weary or heavy burdened and he will give us rest.  The Message translation of the bible puts it this way, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Jesus says come to me and unload your baggage.  Stop for awhile and let me recharge your batteries and refresh your mind.  Let me put things in perspective as to how life should be.  Stop and take a break from all the busyness and learn how to really live. 

It is only in Jesus that we find the rest we need from our struggles and sorrows, from our striving to get ahead, from the distractions that keep us from having a deeper relationship with him.  To rest in Jesus means that we can close our eyes for a while and let him drive the bus.  Let him fill you with his peace and his presence. If he needs you, he will let you know.  Go ahead, take a break.  Jesus has it under control.

 

 

Promises, Promises

We make them all the time, sometimes to ourselves, sometimes to others, and sometimes to God.  Sometimes we make them with every intention of keeping them and sometimes we make them because we know that’s what the other person wants to hear.  The advertising industry loves to make them.  If we turn on the television politicians bombard us with them.  Promises of lower taxes, promises of an improved economy, promises of affordable higher education.  A local furniture store promises the sale of the century at least twice a month.  Promises, Promises.  Have we learned to turn a deaf ear to them?

What about New Year’s resolutions.  Aren’t they promises of change? Whether the commitment is to exercise regularly, eat healthier or take up a new hobby, not many take them seriously.   Sometimes promises are made in an elevated state of emotion like fear, frustration, or passion.  When the moment has passed, the promise is easily forgotten.  For half of all marriages in America the promise to love and cherish till death do us part did not hold true.  Promises are made and promises are broken.

 

My younger sister, Terry Jean died at the age of 19.  Though she was intellectually disabled, she had an incredible memory.  One of the things I remember most about her is that she never forgot a promise my parents made.  Because of that, we all benefited, sometimes with a promised treat from the ice cream man and once with a promised trip to Disney World.  What I have learned in life is that the value of a promise stands in the one who makes it. 

The bible is full of promises.  Though man’s promises can be broken, God’s promises will never fail us.  God is not dependent on us to fulfill His promises, but he does ask us to believe, so that we may fully receive all that He has promised: promises of protection, provision, peace, love, acceptance and eternal life to name a few.  God has given us his exceedingly great and precious promises so that we can partake of his divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  “For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes”!  And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) 

God’s promises give comfort and assurance when the battle is raging around us.  When you are seemingly without hope or anxiety overtakes you, remember the promises of God.  Read them, pray them and meditate on them.  Don’t let go of them.  Thank God for them.  Focus on his promises rather than your problems.  Let their truth reassure you that God is in control and he knows exactly what you need.  “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 145:13) 

 

Here are just a few of my favorite bible promises.   I hope they encourage you as much as they do me.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

“Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39) 

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8) 

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)