It is ok to rest; it is ok to take a break, slow down, take a load off… The military has never been an environment of “slow down and take a break” and for good reason. Police, Fire and Rescue run 24 hour operations and there is always something to do. That mindset, that habit, that “move-with-a-purpose” mentality developed over decades of service can be one of the hardest things to let go once you are out of that environment. And while you are in the environment, often you might feel guilty for – not just wanting, but – needing a break. Time to ramp things down and restore your soul.
The Bible assures us that it is ok to slow things down and take a break. Christ himself promises comfort and rest in Him, “Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30). In fact, references to resting can be found all throughout the Bible, Old and New Testament. God, Himself rested on the seventh day after creating the universe. Genesis 2:3 “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” He even sanctified that seventh day – the Sabbath. Orthodox Jews, to this day, will do absolutely NOTHING that could be considered “work” on the Sabbath.
It is when we are rested and not wrapped up in the business of our world, our jobs, etc. when we can truly listen to God speaking to us, and we can speak back to him through our prayers. Psalms 46:10 tells us to “Be still, and know that I [am] God.” And in Christ can we truly find rest; the kind of rest we so desire; a rest that restores not only our strength but our minds and hearts and especially our souls.
Psalms 4:8 tells us “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.” And the Prophet Isaiah told us “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. (Isaiah 30:15)
When you feel things getting hurried, don’t burn yourself out and don’t feel guilty when you feel you need a break. Satan is the accuser of the believers and loves to burden God’s people with guilty feelings. Slow it down…pray in the name of Jesus. Just call upon His name. Even if it is for just a few minutes out of your day to remember “Be still and know that I am God” and “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” (Ephesians 6:16)
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