What is resting? Resting means to cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or replace strength. Those descriptive words change a stereotype of resting from being a couch potato in front of the television, to replacing strength to work. That might be two different ways of relaxing, but not everyone recharges in those ways! How about you? What replenishes your energy?
On one of my rushed excursions to knock out a list of errands, a light bulb moment happened in the middle of driving! Being a passenger did not require as many of my senses, and people in other vehicles became my focus. Each person was either staring into space in front of them or accomplishing something else to alleviate their drive from one place to another. Maybe their common thoughts were to get off this highway and fulfill their to-do lists. I don’t know, but they all appeared extremely tired.
Why has busyness become a way of life? A wise pastor once said that busyness has become our priority instead of following and serving God. Is that true for you too?
As a teen, resting meant taking the very unwelcome Sunday afternoon nap. Of course, my parents knew that my siblings and I disliked that time. Life in general had become busy with more children for them. My parents used the nap as a recharge time for the upcoming week.
David also knew that He needed to rest when he wrote Psalm 23.
The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23 NLT
Resting In The Lord.
Vs.1 The Lord Is IN Charge, no needs here…
Vs.2 We can REST…
Vs.3 What a combination: He RENEWS my strength, He GUIDES my Paths and brings Honor to His NAME…
Vs.4 Nothing is TOO BIG for HIM, especially our brokenness…
Vs.5 He LOVES us and BLESSES us profusely!
Vs.6 What GRACE, His PURSUIT of us all our lives, and in His house!
What was I thinking? Resting is not missing out! David really knew how to take a much needed break. There is more adventure in resting in the Lord than existing in the busyness of the world.
The Lord has made each of us as unique individuals. Resting means different things to each of us. Your children might actually rest by reading and another exercising. It is very important that we do not compare one child to another, but encourage positive behaviors.
As my age increases, so does my love of taking naps. Being 13 years old meant I was too mature for a nap, right? NO! My conclusion is that resting in the Lord is the only ADVENTURE. What do your children see as their Adventure? Is it resting in the Lord or Pursuing only worldly gain? That is where parenting becomes so important!
