Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)
I have worked from a home office for the past several years. Hence, when COVID struck and everyone was confined to home, it wasn’t really a shift for me. As time passed, I observed a new wave of comments were being repeated in many of my circles: “I’m tired.” “I’m good, just a little overcommitted.” “I’m so-o-o-o tired.” “My plate is full.” “I had four Zoom meetings back to back; I need a break.”
These comments coincided with a personal observation that my own end of the workday and dinner were getting closer and closer to my bedtime. I chalked it up to being over-committed, but heard a whisper that my life was out of balance. I tried to ascertain the reasoning behind the chorus of phrases for some of the others. Many were taught that hard work was a positive character trait and necessary for success particularly in diverse work environments where people of color feel a need to be better. Others felt sidelined in the pandemic and admitted overcompensating in an effort to prove significance. Others admitted that they worked because it enabled them to avoid pressing inner thoughts that were either challenging or depressing or both. And some—no longer commuting—just worked because there was nothing else to do. While the reasons were all valid, they were no justification for living out of balance. Of course we are going to be tired and unbalanced when we can’t say no and we go nonstop. The mere suggestion of stopping to take a rest seems so foreign and removed. We are physically, mentally and emotionally tired; we need rest.
We are a busy and hurried people, always about our business in a frenzied manner. Our actions and culture seem to say, “agree with me, think like me, dress like me, teach like I do, act like me, work like me and you will have success.” We are about to celebrate Labor Day, an annual tribute to the contributions and achievements of workers in fostering the well being of our country. Many of us are close to burnout while others are on the brink of serious illness or injury. Yet, our focus continues to be on success and being busy, not resting. For many of us, illness can be defined as the rest we are forced into when we fail to observe and value our need to rest. And we know that sickness is always ill timed and inconvenient. Why do we not value rest? Why do we always think more is better? In fact, we are better served by stopping to rest and seeking the Lord’s guidance. The power isn’t always in pushing through. Sometimes it’s in the rest.
In the Bible, wisdom and revelation often come from places of silence and rest. After creation, God rested from His work. (Genesis 2:2-4). Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to be still. (Mark 1:35). When Jesus visited Mary and Martha, Martha was busy with chores and busy preparation while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet learning from His words. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part. (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus invites both you and me to find rest for our weary souls by embracing his freeing yoke and intentionally spending time with Him. (Matthew 11:28). This restoration gives us what we need to do His will.
Reflection
Have you been burning the candle at both ends? Are you taking time to rest and be quiet with the Lord? Or are you possibly headed for forced rest by injury or illness? Take some time to reflect and seek God this week. How can you let your work be guided by Christ? How can you schedule rest this week?
If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? (Psalm 127:1-2 MSG).
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to follow you and not charge ahead. Forgive me that I am tired from following my own will and not yours. Teach me to seek you first, to set boundaries, and to freely take time to rest without being forced by illness or injury to my mind, body or spirit. Allow me to experience the renewal and restoration that can only come from you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I needed this reminder. Thank you.