Our bodies know when we need rest. It gives us little signs: yawning, tired thoughts or lack of focus to name a few.
Just the same, I believe our souls let us know when we need rest as well. The tired soul is a weary one. You believe there's hope, but at the same time hope seems so afar off. Some signs: hopelessness, disillusionment, dread, and/or discouragement come to mind.
Then, our spirits let us know too: Lack of motivation to be in God's presence and/or pray and low or no desire to reach out for help top my list. The things of God don't interest us.
Asking = little warning signs. Starting to "feel" tired.
Pleading = bigger signs. Wanting to get away from it all.
Screaming - complete shut down. Isolation, bursting into tears, shutting others out.
We might not be paying attention. Maybe we don't have the time to pay attention as the everyday pulls us in every direction.
That's why it's so vital to have a time you devote to being with God, in His word, and journaling what you get out of that time. There will be times we won't feel like it. There will also be times when it doesn't seem like it's important or worth it. He's proven to me time and again that during those times, faithfulness to be with Him anyway, is where He gives me the most rest and recovery.
Here's another area where there is no formula. Again, this is a unique and intimate time tailored to you and Him. When you're tired whether body, soul, or spirit, feelings aren't trustworthy. Because, they're all over the place. Trust in His truth that He values your time together. You will see the rewards of it later if not now.
Maybe all the problems don't get solved at the time. But He will soothe the ache, restore faith little by little, and begin to restore gently and slowly as we refocus on our true place of rest. His presence is our true place of rest. Everything else will fall in place progressively in His time.
Linger in His presence for true rest and recovery. Let it come at it's pace.
With You in Mind:
Grab these: your favorite beverage, devotional, bible, notebook/journal and a pen.
Just be there: Don't preplan how it will go. Just sit with God and be there in the quiet. Breathe in and out slowly.
Remember this truth: He loves you just as you are. You can relax.
How about starting with: "Thank you Jesus, for loving me in my mess." And really let that sink in...that He loves you, "in" your mess...that He's with you in your mess...that He wants to help you through it. He actually wants to help you. That's already incredible!
Extras that bring rest and renew vision: Light or regular exercise can renew.
~ Light warming exercises like slow walking or a short hike, stretching, deep breathing, playing outside with your dog.
~ Slow jogging, longer hikes, swimming, playing with the neighborhood kids, etc. Perspiring gets rid of toxic build up from stress.
You pick your favorite way to exercise. Being outdoors can truly renew and refresh.
Sometimes you actually need to sleep.
~A short nap (15-20) can be so beneficial.
~Going to bed early helps during these times because your body needs more rest than usual.
~Taking time off for yourself to be by yourself -- a few minutes or hours, 1/2 day, a whole day, or a vacation.
All of these help us better problem solve and nurture creative growth.
Soul Refreshment:
Truth: He honors your effort to be with Him. He truly does. So don't be hard on yourself. Just be there.
Psalm 118: 5-6 ~ Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces, he answered.
God's now at my side and I'm not afraid...
Jude 1:1-2 ~ I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James,
writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ.
Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together;
open your hearts, love is on the way!
