What do you think of when you hear the word, “Rest”? Or “Be still”?
Can I be honest and tell you, that those are two of the hardest things for me to do, and yet, I find myself smack dab in the place where that is what God is asking of me.
Just recently, I sent off the manuscript draft of my next book to the editor on Monday. Friends congratulated me and told me to enjoy my “new normal” now that I wouldn’t be intently working in front of my computer from sun up until sundown on the book. I answered, in all seriousness, “What is that? What does my ‘new normal’ look like?” It left me uncomfortable and ill-at-ease. By Tuesday I felt aimless and purposeless.
God’s timing is always perfect though, isn’t it? Many months ago I registered for a retreat, not knowing if I would have the book complete or be able to attend. But with the book turned in, Friday morning I drove out of my driveway with coffee in my cup holder and drove several hours north. For the first time in a couple years, I went away on a retreat…not to learn, not to promote, not to network, just to be. I cannot even remember the last time I didn’t open my laptop for four days! But it was time.
I arrived weary, broken, and confused. This retreat offered time to be still. It was in the country, surrounded by pastures and horses. There I found other women longing to live in the freedom we have in Christ. Other women who came seeking the Lord’s best for them. Other women who were hurting and in need of being seen–by Him.
One thing that really struck me was how often we were more similar than not. As we took time to chat and share our hearts, so often we found that we were in similar seasons, similar circumstances, and relating to others who could understand lent each other strength, courage, and hope.
The masks that we often wear in our daily lives (whether we realize it or not) were exchanged for authentic tears and the release of laughter. I prayed for many women and received the prayers of women–linking our hearts together with His. It’s a beautiful thing when we can be real, even in our pain. And to know, not only aren’t we alone, but we are #BetterTogether.
God used that time away to confirm for me something He had been speaking to me for quite some time, but I really didn’t want to see it. If you’ve followed me for very long at all, you know our family has gone through a very difficult few years. When the storms come, I jump in and work harder. I do more. I try to help. Our lives have changed dramatically and unexpectedly in the last 3 months, and it requires a period of grief for what was and what will no longer be.
My greatest desire is to serve God and others. To point others to Him. But He showed me very clearly this weekend that it’s not only good to take a time of rest after the weariness of the battle, but He commands it. What does that look like? I honestly don’t know. If you know me very well, you know that “rest” is harder for me than if you gave me three projects with firecracker deadlines. So I don’t know, and after this weekend, I’m okay with that because God knows.
So I arrived weary, broken, and confused. I left that weekend feeling settled in my heart, and ready to take the next step of the journey holding God’s hand. It is well with my soul.
I’d love to hear what God is stirring in you, in the comments below.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Vote for Hope Prevails Bible Study!
The Hope Prevails Bible Study has been nominated for top Bible Study for the Joy & Company 2018 Christian Literary Awards. I would be so honored if you would vote. Each vote means more hope is shared with those in need. Last year, thanks to you, Hope Prevails won the Henri Award and the Reader’s Choice Award. It was such an honor! Voting is open from October 1st to October 15th. Click here to vote: Cast Your Vote for Hope Prevails Bible Study.
Ask Dr. B a Question.
Complete and Send the form below to submit a question for Dr. B to answer on a future Ask Dr. B post.
Please do not send any sensitive or confidential information in this form.
This is such great perspective. I’ve thought often of how our culture has made the Sabbath day into a regular day. We make other people work when we patronize restaurants or stores or whatever. I love the phrase “God commands rest.” So well-said.
#raisinghomemakerslinky
You raise a really good point about making others work. I think it’s so crucial that God commands rest because He knows it is what we need.
It’s amazing how easy it is for us to forget that we need rest and that God actually commands it. The retreat you described sounds lovely; I would love to connect with other women that way.
I think it’s easy to get caught up in the world’s expectations of the need to be productive. What I’m realizing is that rest is productive just not necessarily in a measurable way.
The world has sold us a lie that busy means valuable and important, but we cannot hear God speak to ‘restore our souls’ if we don’t give Him the time necessary to do so. thanks for your post
You speak truth Karen! In fact, God calls us to rest so that we don’t burn up and burn out, but stay connected to Him.
Just reading this put me in such a place of peace. I love when I can step out of being a mother, or blogger, or teacher, and just BE. Just relax with individuals who are more alike as you mentioned. #MomentsofHope
I’m so glad this encouraged you. His desire is that we would always live from this place of peace. I pray that for you as well.
This is so funny you posted this article just this week. I’m leaving today for a 3 day retreat and let me tell you my state at this moment: it’s terrible. I’ve been sick for more than 2 straight months now.
God told me this year would be a year of rest because I pushed myself way too far these last years. And now I’m feeling helpless when I can’t do anything of my day because of sickness. I feel like I’m throwing a pity party and that I’m just being lazy. I’m quite frustrated as I’m constantly anxious and sad.
I hope I can really enjoy that 3 day retreat. Usually I’m always busy helping.
Elise,
I’ve been there…when the only way God could get me to rest was by putting my flat on my back. I pray this will usher in a season of refreshing for you.
I, too, find it hard to rest (having a good book in my hands helps me rest physically). I’m looking forward to a day of rest after camping for five days with 40 teenagers :).
Oh my word! God bless you Anita!!
Michelle, I’m so glad God planted that retreat for you in His perfect timing. While reading this and the comments, I pondered the question “What is happening that women can push themselves so hard? How can we give ourselves daily retreats in our minds and hearts even with the pressures to do and chaos around us?” My hope is that the rest you received at the retreat will continue to bring you God’s peace every day, settling your heart, as He guides each of your moments!
Oh Lynn, I think we have succumb to society’s pressure that we must be all and do all. Instead of letting God be our all. I’m ready for His rest so I can continue to pour out to others from the overflow of my heart.
This is one of the hardest commands for me to follow, too. I am training for a marathon right now, so looking forward to some rest when it is over! My husband says I “have no rest in my bones”! 🙂
I applaud you for your tenacity. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to recover after your achievement.
I find myself in the midst of a serious battle, but your have inspired me to find His rest. Thanks for sharing. Your post was my favorite again on the #LMMLinkup this week because it was so timely at where I am at in my life.
Thank you Mary. I pray as sisters in Christ that we can encourage each other towards God’s best.