Day 21: Spiritual Discipline of Rest

Scripture: Genesis 2:2-3 - "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."

Reflection: Rest is a divine gift and a necessary discipline.

Application: Schedule a time of rest and relaxation today, honoring God’s design for rest.

Prayer: Father, help me to embrace rest as a spiritual discipline and a gift from You. Amen.

This brings us to a crucial, often overlooked aspect of self-care: rest. Yes, rest is a spiritual discipline. It's not the thing you do only after you've done everything else. Rest should be a non-negotiable, a fixed gear in the machinery of your life. Remember, God rested on the seventh day, not because He was worn out but to set a pattern for us to follow. Rest is part of the created order, woven into the very fabric of time with the setting up of the Sabbath. It’s a gift, a divine pause button designed to remind us that we’re human beings, not human doings.

Resting might mean saying no to good things to prioritize the best things. It might look like turning off the electronics, spending time in nature, or simply being still and knowing that He is God. This isn’t wasted time; it’s an investment in your spiritual and emotional health. It’s acknowledging that you’re not in control and that the world won’t fall apart if you step back for a moment. It’s trusting God with what you’ve left undone. In these quiet spaces, you find renewal and perhaps hear God’s voice more clearly, not in the earthquake or fire, but in the gentle whisper.

So, as we take this seriously, consider what adjustments you might need to make. What does it look like for you to truly take care of yourself? Maybe it starts with actually scheduling rest into your calendar. Or perhaps it’s learning to be okay with leaving some tasks undone to prioritize your well-being. Whatever it is, remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s not just for your benefit but for all those you love and serve. By keeping your tank full, you ensure that you have the energy, health, and enthusiasm to give the best of yourself to others.

And remember, this kind of self-care isn't about achieving perfection. It's about progress. It's about gradually aligning more and more with the life rhythm God intends for you—one where you can serve passionately and rest deeply without feeling guilty or anxious. It's about living fully and loving deeply, starting with yourself. So, take heart, step back when you need to, and know that in doing so, you're not just following a trendy self-help tip; you're living out a divine command.