How This Mom Finds Rest in Jesus

What is rest? Rest means something different to everyone. Maybe it’s sleeping in on a lazy rainy morning. Maybe it’s a day off from work. Maybe it’s a week long vacation. What does rest mean spiritually? I find myself in this perpetual state of needing rest at times. But most of the time, I don’t even know what that looks like. And why do I need just so much rest anyway?

Take Physical rest when God gives it

At the beginning of the summer, this concept of rest was everywhere. I knew God was trying to get my attention. The trip to Chicago in early summer, with just my husband was rest. It took effort to not stress about the trip, the kids and lack of schedule, but I did. And it was so worth it!!

​ I had an opportunity to rest and I took it. It was freeing. And guiltless. It was a trip covered with God’s provision and I was grateful. Honestly, this has been such a busy summer and we have traveled more than we ever have. I believe without that rest in early June, I would be DONE.

Traveling is not relaxing for me. But there we were, traveling again after being home for only three days, and I was doing ok. The trips since then have started to wear, although I believe it is more than just the traveling. Enemy at work, I say, but that’s for another day.

Pray and then keep on praying

My state of rest has come from nothing other than the Lord. A lot of prayer and preparation went into that Chicago trip and it set the stage. It was a great example of letting it go and giving it all to God.

Prayer before the trip and during was the key. Mentally letting go of that perfection and control that can grip me to a state of paralysis. Looking back now, I can see just how beneficial that trip was for me.

Unfortunately, I stayed up way too late several nights before our Tour of East Texas trip in mid-July and I felt it. Some of that anxiety was sneaking back in. I was more aware and tried to get it in check, although it’s more difficult when sleep deprived.

Rest in Jesus is actiVe

Resting in the Lord is an active thing. It’s not something we do when we think about it. It’s preparing beforehand to give it all to God. Not when you get in the middle of a situation and on the verge of a meltdown.

​While rest can definitely be described as a vacation or sleeping in, on a deeper level, it’s giving it all to God at all times and having that peace....constantly. I find when I’m giving it all to Him, I don’t need that arbitrary rest as much.

Of course, a night off from dinner and bedtime is always welcomed at my house. And my amazing husband gives me that regularly. But it’s nice to not feel so overwhelmed and be able to take rest in Him. It’s also helpful to be in that state of peace when unforeseen situations arise.

I write this to myself too, as I am attempting to organize for school to begin and yes, feeling a little overwhelmed. Taking deep breaths and putting my faith and trust in Jesus, who is our savior. Knowing in the end, He is all that matters. As long as we are in line with what Jesus commands us to do, it all works out, no matter what happens.

I originally wrote this post at the end of July. While proofreading it to post tonight, I’m finding the words comforting. Not that I haven’t been seeking rest in Him, but that I am feeling weary and tired. It comes out of nowhere. The key for me is to become aware (which I have much quicker than usual) and then take steps immediately to do something about it. My prayer is that you know when you need extra rest in Him and then take it.
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How do you find rest? What are some things causing you to not find rest?
Thanks for reading! 💕
Pam