I’m guessing you could use some rest and relief — right now!
But taking a vacation or getting a massage or spending the day at a health spa probably isn’t an option at the moment. And all of those things would only provide temporary relief, anyway.
Rest and relief — physically, mentally and emotionally — is not found through a change of location, but through a change of lifestyle.
Here are four steps to rest and relief (which spell REST, by the way) so you can start learning to “go away with God” in your heart and find the rejuvenation that is equivalent to an island getaway.
Step 1: Realize that God is in control and you are not
Whatever it is that is tiring you — an intense schedule, a burdensome task, an effort that is being thwarted, or an unexpected delay — it is probably beyond your control at this point. When we acknowledge that God is in control and we are not, that is the first step in loosening our grip on things and beginning to relax our shoulders and rest. Let God determine the pace at which you travel and suddenly the speed at which you’re moving doesn’t matter as much because you’re realizing God is at the helm. See your experience as a time of traveling WITH Him to a destination that He sees, even if you don’t.
Step 2: Expect God to come through
Not only is God in control, He also has a plan. Your detour — or burden — may be what God wants so He can come through for you at just the right time. Instead of just conceding to the fact that God is in control, start expecting the best. Wait expectantly for Him to come through. The expectations cause us to look for His deliverance and experience His peace in the waiting.
Step 3: Surrender your strategy
When I devise my plan, I’m still acting like I’m in control. Sometimes I actually pray my plan to God, as if He hasn’t thought up as good of a plan as I have! But there is rest in saying “God, I don’t have the solution, but I know You do.”
Step 4: Trust in His next step
To rest is to trust. And by trusting our next step to God, we have already begun to relax our shoulders and wait upon Him in faith. Every time I have surrendered my failed attempts to God, He has revealed His plan which turned out to be far better than mine.
In what area do you need to rest and trust God today? I’d love for you to share it with me in the comment section below.
So very much is going on in my life and family also (an unwanted divorce, having to give up so much, move, sell home, etc.)!!! I know God is so faithful and He has been all through this…I am just waiting and praying for that ‘next step.’ It causes a lot of anxiety and I know I need to just be patient as His will and plan is best.
Oh, Kim, I’m SO sorry for all that you are going through right now. You are in my prayers today, that you will find your hideaway in God, follow His lead every step of the way, and experience the comfort of His peace and presence. Keep your eyes on Him, not your circumstances. “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” — Proverbs 3:6.
Thank you so much for your prayers! I have no doubt God is good and so faithful and has a plan through this whole experience.
Boy, Cindi, what perfect timing! I need to read this every morning when I have my quiet time with my Bible and your devotional! This is such a challenging time of year, when I’d like it to be simple and focused on Jesus. Thank you for R.E.S.T.!