Jesus promised in Matthew 11 that when we come to Him, He will give us rest – rest for our souls. This is the rest of God.
In your life filled with stress and activity do you find your soul at rest or are you weary?
I have now finished reading Soul Keeping by John Ortberg and was struck by what he wrote on fatigue.
There is a kind of fatigue that attacks the mind. When we are bombarded by information all day at work . . . When multiple screens are always clamoring for our attention . . . When we carry around mental lists of errands not yet done and bills not yet paid and emails not yet replied to . . . When we try to push unpleasant emotions under the surface like holding beach balls under the water at a swimming pool . . . our minds grow weary.
There is a kind of fatigue that attacks the will. We have so many decisions to make. When we are trying to decide what clothes will create the best possible impression, which foods will bring us the most pleasure, which tasks at work will bring us the most success, which entertainment options will make us the most happy, which people we dare to disappoint, which events we must attend, even what vacation destination will be most enjoyable, the need to make decisions overwhelms us. The sheer length of the menu at Cheesecake Factory oppresses us. Sometimes college students choose double majors, not because they want to study two fields, but simply because they cannot make the decision to say “no” to either one. Our wills grow weary with so many choices.
These categories of fatigue are difficult enough in and of themselves. But they combine to make us feel separated from God, separated from ourselves, and distanced from what we love most about life and creation.
This is soul-fatigue.
Ortberg, John. Soul Keeping: Caring For the Most Important Part of You (p. 128). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
Our culture is that of fatigue. People are tired. Perhaps you are as well. I know I can be at times.
When I am worn out I don’t connect well with anyone, let alone with the Lord.
Why is it that we push ourselves so hard? After a long day I still find myself saying “I’m just going to respond to one more email or do one more load of laundry or pick up one more mess.” And when someone asks if I can help out in an area or commit to an event I often make time to squeeze it in. However, as I say ‘yes’ to all those things my time for rest slips away from me.
Plan time to rest. God intended for you to find rest in Him. Share on XI know that one reason I try so hard is because I am trying in my own strength, I forget that He has wisdom for my situation and that He can and will orchestrate events so that my days will go smoothly.
Life Coach Moment
- How often do you find moments to rest during your day or week? It could be just a few moments away from other people making time for your soul to connect with God. Or it could be a few hours extra sleep that you have been deprived of.
- What are some reasons you don’t take time to rest?
- Revisit your list from last week. You wrote down some of your responsibilities to discern whether you had to many commitments. Add rest to your list of responsibilities. God has entrusted you with your own soul. Ask Him to help you diligently care for it.
- What things in your life would be categorized under fatigue of the mind and what in your life is fatigue of the will? Sorting through this will fu rther help you understand stress in your life.
Renew Your Mind in Truth
Hebrews 4:1-11 talks about the Israelites who did not enter the rest that God had for them in the Promised Land because they hardened their hearts in unbelief saying ‘We can’t attack these people; they are stronger than us.” (Numbers 13:31) It was God’s desire to give them the promised land where they could rest- rest from being weary travelers-but they had to believe. Several years ago I wrote a little poem about the rest of God, inspired by the verses in Hebrew 4.
God desires you to have rest but you have to trust that during the times of rest He is taking care of your affairs. If it is the few minutes that you go to bed early instead of checking email – it is trust that God will take care of the news until tomorrow.
Give yourself permission to rest. God is in control. Share on XPrayer:
Father I believe that you desire me to find rest in You rather than living as if life rests on my shoulders. Help me begin to make time in my schedule to rest my soul. Restore me and refresh me during these times. Amen
Self-Talking Point
God’s got this. I can take a moment to rest.
This post is part of several linkups
- Mask Waiver - April 2, 2020
- Volunteer Application - March 24, 2020
- Lord Are You Willing? - October 3, 2019
So much wisdom in that self-talking point. I can hold that in my head! Thanks!
Thank you for this post. It seems like too often wait till we are sick to rest. The questions to ask self are very helpful and are going in my journal for frequent self-checks. May your soul be refreshed as you find rest in our Sovereign Lord. Visiting from Fresh Market Friday.
I agree. Our culture is fatigued and it is seen as good to be as busy as possible and then talk about how busy you are. To busy to do this and that. I like the different kinds a fatigue you mentioned. And they all affect our soul and life. Great article.
Theresa, Thanks for stopping by. Those categories of fatigue that John Ortberg mentioned help me have a better understanding as well.
Blessings today
I agree totally, and your points are spot on! It’s so easy to get caught up in doing, and rest is very under-rated. Love the true life fatigue you describe here, and I for one thrive where there are less choices!
Me too! Less choices seem better.
Fatigue is definitely happening here at my house. Apparently life doesn’t get slower when your kids get older. 😉 Thanks for the reminder that God will take care of our affairs so it’s okay to take the time to rest in Him. 🙂 ((hug))
Brenda, at times I do wonder if life will slow down when my little kids get older…I suppose that must be a false expectation and have to remind myself that if God is faithful to help me will the busyness of life today He will help me balance it tomorrow or next year or ten years from now as well. 🙂