Devotion From Proverbs 31 Ministries

I wanted to share this. I think it applies to a lot of us, especially those of us with kids in school right now. I have a friend who encourages me daily to step back and look at how I spend my time. She holds me accountable for spending uninterrupted time each day with my Jesus. Sharon, if you're reading this, thank you. Your friendship means more to me than you'll ever know. I have already prayed for you today, but will continue it through the day. If I can do anything, let me know. Love ya lots!

Rest

4 Feb 2009

Zoe Elmore

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him." Psalm 62:5 (NIV)

Who knew that rest was something to seek after like one would pursue a virtuous quality? After all, aren't virtues supposed to be difficult and even require heroic action? I consider rest to be passive, a do-nothing kind of thing. What is the value of that in our daily lives, especially in the life of a busy woman?

Rest, like all things, is only good if it is taken in the right measure and at the right time. When I was a singer (in my former years), I learned that a properly placed rest is as effective as any note. By putting rest into practice in our lives, we reap the benefit and value it brings. As women, many of us have forgotten the importance of rest and how to employ the proper placing of the pause.

When people ask how things are going, more often than not the response is, "Busy as usual," or "There aren't enough hours in the day to get it all done."

Why are we so busy and why do many of us feel this way?

I think one reason may be that our society has sold women a false sense of self-worth by connecting our value to our level of busyness. We should ask ourselves the important question found in Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or God? Or am I still trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Now please don't think I am suggesting all women go on permanent rest and take to our beds leaving our responsibilities and families to suffer. Heaven forbid! What I am suggesting is this. When faced with another opportunity to "do" one more thing, "go" to one more event or "host" one more party, resist the urge to immediately throw up your hand a nd volunteer. Pause and pray, asking the Lord's direction regarding each matter. Perhaps the Lord has someone else in mind to "fill" the position.

Some women have discovered the secret to living a full yet balanced life. Their busy life is punctuated with periods of rest, and that rest consists of a time of prayer. When I see women who rest in the midst of their busy lives I do not see them frantic and harried like myself. Their spiritual balance allows them to accomplish more with less stress.

Perhaps they have learned to employ the truths found in Matthew 11:29, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (NIV). Just like farmers hand-crafted a yoke for every work-animal to help and assist them in their work, these women have learned that the Lord's yoke is perfectly fitted to us in order to assist us in the work He has ordained. And resting is one component of that work. When we are obedie nt to do the work God has called us to we can experience the joy and benefit of a balanced spiritual life as we utilize the proper place of rest.

Dear Lord, Thank You for reminding me that rest is an important part of spiritual balance. Teach me to seek Your direction as I prioritize my life's busyness. I want to experience and enjoy the balance of work and rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Breathe: Creating Space for God in a Hectic Life by Keri Wyatt Kent

Do You Know Him?

Visit Zoe Elmore's blog

God's Purpose for Every Woman: A P31 Devotional Gen Editors. Lysa TerKeurst & Rachel Olsen

Application Steps:
The next time your life becomes frantic and harried, pause for a time of restful prayer.

Memorize the power verses below and learn the benefits of rest; it will help you achieve balance in your spiritual life.

Reflections:
What can you do to ensure proper rest is a part of your life?

What is the Lord calling you to "give up" as a way of making room for proper rest?

Power Verses:
Genesis 2:3, "And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." (NIV)

Exodus 3 3:14 "The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'" (NIV)

Hebrews 4:10, "For anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his." (NIV)

© 2008 by Zoe Elmore. All rights reserved.