Take time for rest and restoration

Feeling tired tells you: (1) that your body needs to rest, (2) to take life at a more normal human pace, and (3) to take time to just abide in the presence of God. God “rested on the seventh day” (Genesis 2:2 ESV). Think about that. God – the One who transcends all things, knows all things, and has all power – rested! What makes you think you don’t have to? Now if you’re wired to work, not working will be a difficult habit to get into, even for a few hours. But rest is a secret weapon God gave you to help you defeat the enemy. When you’re exhausted, you’re of little use to God or anyone else. This is one of the main reasons Satan has you running here and there, doing, doing, doing. If he can’t tempt you with addictive substances, wrong relationships, and bad habits, he will tempt you with overdoing good deeds. He wants you to exhaust yourself so that when the real battle – the one you were meant to fight – comes along, you’ll be too tired. John wrote, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2 NKJV). But your soul is not prospering when it is exhausted and stretched to the max, with little time for rest or restoration. What to do? Lay your schedule at the feet of Jesus, including any new projects. Wait for His direction. If it seems slow in coming, stand on this scripture: “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”