May 9, 2011 Devotional

Learning to Rest

"Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest awhile."  These are the words Jesus spoke to his disciples after a busy time of ministry. They were tired and hungry, yet surrounded by people still wanting more time and attention. Sound familiar?  I think we all can relate. But Jesus knew that what his faithful companions needed most was not more ministry; it was more rest. He understood that if they didn't "come apart" they'd eventually fall apart. How true that is for all of us! It doesn't take long to learn that we aren't machines but human beings who require balances of work and refreshment in our lives.
 
One of the commitments my husband and I made early on in ministry was to be faithful to our day off. We realized that work and ministry never stop, so we have to! We must make a conscious decision to stop, unplug, let our bodies rest and let our souls get refreshed. Whether that time is spent sitting on the porch drinking coffee, fishing at the river or watching a good movie, it always pays off. During that break, our relationship with each other is strengthened, and we find we have more clarity and focus throughout the rest of the week. Life becomes more productive all the way around!
 
Maybe that's why God instructed us in Exodus 20, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work..." He didn't just suggest a day off. He commanded it! Why? Because we need it! Without a break, we'll suffer the consequences of tired bodies, stressed minds and out-of-control emotions. I like to think about it this way: If God rested from His work on the seventh day, how much more do I need to rest?
 
If you're not faithfully committed to a day off, let me encourage you to do so. Your life and ministry are too important not to! Remember that we're in this for the long haul. We don't want to wear out or burn out; we want to enjoy the journey and finish strong!

 

Tamara Graff
Faith Family Church
Victoria, TX www.faithfamilyvictoria.com