Time for a Nap

by Crystal Bowman

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV

My two-year-old granddaughter was beyond tired and in desperate need of a nap—but she didn’t want to take a nap. I knew it was exactly what she needed and that nothing else was going to help her cranky disposition. As I carried her upstairs to her bedroom, she kicked and screamed, “No Gigi! No nap!”

Once inside her bedroom, my granddaughter refused to lie down in her toddler bed. She sat on the floor in bold defiance, with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face. There was no way she was going to lie down! I took her Minnie Mouse pillow from her bed and put it on the plush rug where she was sitting. I laid down on the rug and tried to coax her into my open arms. She refused to comply. As she sat next to me with her arms still crossed, I began stroking her hair and gently singing “Jesus Loves Me.” Her stiff body finally relaxed, and she fell asleep sitting up! Then she toppled into my open arms and settled in for a much-needed nap.

Two hours later, my granddaughter woke up with a smile on her face. She was sweet, calm, happy, refreshed, and ready to play. My precious angel was back.

We never outgrow our need for rest, but we often push ourselves to keep going because we have things to accomplish. If we look at the Scriptures, we can find many references to rest. The Bible begins with the story of creation, which God accomplished in six days. On the seventh day, God rested. In Exodus 20, God gives the Ten Commandments to Moses. The fourth commandment says to work for six days and then refrain from work on the Sabbath day to rest and worship.

The Gospels give an account of Jesus’ life on earth. He kept a busy schedule traveling with His disciples through towns and villages. They had little time to rest since crowds followed them around seeking physical and spiritual healing. In Mark 6:31, Jesus tells His disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (NIV).

Resting not only allows us to recharge our bodies, but it’s also refreshing for our souls. When we take time to rest, we can commune with God without all the distractions and chaos that surround us. God knows we need rest, and He offers to carry our burdens so that we can rest both physically and emotionally.

When I am stressed, weary, tired, and overwhelmed—like my two-year-old granddaughter—God is beside me. He speaks softly and gently, calling me to rest in his open arms. When I surrender to Him and give Him my cares and concerns, I find refreshment and peace for my body and soul.

Are you weary today? Maybe it’s time for a nap!

This article is brought to you by the Advance Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Crystal Bowman is a bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 books including, Our Daily Bread for Kids. She and her husband have three married children and seven huggable grandchildren.

When a child’s grandparent or great-grandparent is afflicted with dementia, it’s difficult to explain the disease in a way that helps the child understand why the person they love is not the same. I Love You to the Stars–When Grandma Forgets, Love Remembers, is a picture book inspired by a true story to help young children understand that even though Grandma is acting differently, she still loves them–to the stars!

Join the conversation. Do you make rest a priority? Why or why not?

Meet Me at the Beach

by Mel Tavares

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6:31 NIV

Have you ever been so mentally exhausted that your brain seemingly stops processing? That happened to me recently, at the end of a hectic season of life. After pushing through project after project, I hit the proverbial wall. I told my husband I was “Crispy, fried, overcooked, done, and I need a day at the beach.” I secretly thought I needed a week at the beach but figured a day would allow me to recharge.

For me, the beach is where I recharge. Your recharging station may be a park or a mountain filled with hiking trails. We all need a place to retreat that is void of noise and distractions and will allow us to spend extended time with the Lord.

Uniquely created, God knows my innermost being and understands the beach is where I listen most intently to Him. “Meet me at the beach,” He whispered.

The next day I packed my beach bag, excited as I thought about an entire day of resting and communing with the Lord. I packed a journal, pen, Bible, favorite devotional, sunscreen, water bottles, and snacks.

Driving to the beach, I thought of Jesus and His frequent withdrawal from ministering to people so he could pray. Luke 4:42 (ESV) says, “And went it was day, he departed and went to a desolate place.”  As reports of Jesus’ miracles spread, crowds increasingly followed him. Luke 16 (ESV) says, “But, he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.” Mark 1:36 (ESV) gives a similar account. “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

If Jesus frequently needed to stop ministering to people and withdraw to a quiet place to pray, the same need is true for us. My mistake over the past couple of months is that I momentarily forgot the importance of frequently withdrawing and pushed myself too hard.

What about you? Do you remember to stop and retreat to a quiet place, to recharge?

My day at the beach was wonderful. I sat and observed all the Lord had created, and praise poured out of my mind and into my journal. I wrote as the Lord spoke words of direction and encouragement. As I let waves of the Holy Spirit refreshing crash over me, I felt strength arising.

I thought about the timing of Jesus’ withdrawals and how often he withdrew before or after pouring himself out: After he multiplied the loaves and fishes (Mark 6:46), before he chose his disciples (Luke 6:12), and before the transfiguration (Luke 9:28). As I reflected on these truths, my emotions normalized, realizing if Jesus needed to experience the ebb and flow of withdrawing and ministering; certainly, it is normal for me to need the same pattern.

As the waning sun shimmered hues of orange and pink on the water, joy returned to my soul. Not that I had been anxious or depressed, but the weariness of ministry with no breaks had depleted my emotions. Reluctantly, I packed my things and made my way to my car. As I drove back to the city that never sleeps, where addicts roam the streets and trafficked women lurk in the shadows, I felt the weight of ministry needs descending.

Is there a lifestyle change you need to make to enable you to withdraw to a quiet place? Do you need to get up earlier, before your household? Do you need to carve out time to sit by the water or walk in the garden in the cool of the night as you commune with the Lord? As for me, I am committing to meet the Lord at the beach more frequently.

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Mel Tavares is an accomplished writer and speaker/teacher, both in ministry and in her career. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching writers. Her target market is women who are hurting and in need of Biblical hope. In addition to ghost writing and authoring her own books, Mel is a contributing author to several books, including the recently released DaySpring “Sweet Tea for the Soul: Comfort for Grieving Hearts.”  She writes for several online Christian communities, teaches classes online, conducts Facebook Live series, and is a podcast guest as opportunities arise. She is a wife, mom to seven, and grandma to ten.

Join the conversation: Where do you go to commune with God?

The Power that Comes When We Return and Rest

by Jennifer Slattery

[Jesus invited His disciples:] …Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6:31 NIV

Early in my ministry, I often exhausted myself trying to manage everything. Though I knew with certainty my assignment came directly from God, I worked as if He expected to carry the load alone. As if results came through sheer grit rather than the work of His hands.

When one of my team members forgot or failed to complete a task, I felt responsible to step in and catch every ball that happened to get dropped. Though I talked a great deal about faith-filled, surrendered living, I routinely behaved as if our results depended on me. Unfortunately, my attitude trickled down to everyone else, turning roles that should’ve brought us great joy, fulfillment, and ever-deepening connections with our Savior into tiresome, anxiety-producing chores.

I knew, intellectually, I wasn’t living or leading as He desired but lacked the courage to slow my hustle. I felt if I did, we’d fail. I was not relying on Christ to be my source of wisdom and strength. Perhaps my heart didn’t believe what my mouth proclaimed.

Then, one spring, life hit many of my team members hard. Hurricanes threw some off balance. Family illnesses left others struggling to think straight let alone write or create. At first, I tried to work harder and faster but this only led to burnout with little visible growth.

My inspiration and vision squashed, I wanted to quit. And so, for a time, I basically did. We all did, in fact, for nearly six months. I expected to see all that we’d worked for would fade until our organization died completely.  

Instead, we grew.

And when the Coronavirus forced us to cancel a year’s worth of events along with their funding, we grew again in terms of readership, impact, and volunteers. Through it all, God reminded me of something that in all my running, I’d forgotten. The God who formed, redeemed, molded, and empowers me doesn’t need me to perform or to strive. Instead, He invites me to yield and to trust. Or rather, to shift my trust off of myself and to where it belongs: on Him.

Isaiah 30:15a says, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (NIV).  God spoke these words to ancient Israel when the Assyrian army was coming against them. Grossly overpowered from a human perspective, they were terrified. In their desperation, they turned to Egypt, with its iron chariots and well-trained army, placing more faith in the might of man than in God Almighty. They thought they were aligning themselves with strength. But by distancing themselves from the God who loved them, they were actually increasing their weakness.

God beckoned them to return to Him, the One who had proven His faithfulness again and again, but they refused to listen. And while I can recognize the foolishness of their actions, I much too frequently behave like them when I am under attack. I soon realize, however, how insufficient my most fervent efforts and greatest allies truly are, when formed apart from Christ.

But the moment I turn back to Him in faith, God fights on my behalf, makes up for my lack, and gives me everything I need to do all He’s asked, just as He did for ancient Israel when King Hezekiah humbled himself and turned to God.

Then, his soul was quieted and at peace, not panicked, rushed or confused.

Choosing surrender, especially when the stakes are high, can feel incredibly frightening. But it places us in a position of power and strength. I’m reminding myself of this truth now as I am about to enter into a busy season, returning to school while writing, speaking, leading a ministry … When people ask how I’ll manage it all, I smile and say that I have an amazing team. And I do, but even more than that, we serve an amazing God. I know He will carry everything He wants to thrive. Therefore, whatever areas fall short must not be from Him, because He is big enough and strong enough to perfect all that concerns us.

He is big enough for all that concerns you as well.        

This article is brought to you by the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA).

About the author: Jennifer Slattery is a multi-published author, ministry, and the host of the Faith Over Fear Podcast. Find her online at JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com, find her ministry at WhollyLoved.com, and find her podcast at LifeAudio.com and other popular podcasting sites.

In her new podcast, Faith Over Fear, Jennifer helps us see different areas of life where fear has a foothold, and how our identity as children of God can help us move from fear to faithful, bold living. You can listen by clicking on the link below or by visiting LifeAudio.com.

Join the conversation: Do you struggle with surrender?

     

Forgetting God

by Peggy Cunningham

“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while. “ Mark 6:31 NRSV

What day is it? Maybe it’s a day to remember. At times, I forget God. I forget to pray. I rush remembering my schedule and forgetting His schedule. Classes this afternoon, a writing deadline, a newsletter to write, emails to answer, all the things that are constantly on my schedule. But, did I forget anything today? Yes. God’s schedule–a time with Him.

Has He forgotten me? Not a chance. With God, forgetting is a one-way street. I’m the one heading in the wrong direction.

When life gets so busy, it’s easy to not spend time with the One who gives us all blessings. This last week, I daily asked the Lord for many things–understanding in all I’m learning, health to do it all, and provision for our ministry and us––along with all those prayers for family, friends, and safety. And, I kept telling the Lord I wanted to spend more time with Him––but I had Him on hold. Yes, I had devotions, and yes, I meditated on Scripture but had I blocked out everything so I could hear His voice? Not really!

But this morning, God gave me that time. I hadn’t made time for Him, so He arranged a deserted place to be with Him. He said to them [me],”Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” Mark 6:31(NRSV).

Our internet server’s tech guy had finally arrived to find and fix the problem we were having with our speed. They had to cut our service to work on the issue. No internet, and so many things to do! After pleading with God that He hurry those men along, I again heard Him say, “Come with Me.”

I closed my computer and opened my Bible. I began reading in Psalms where I had stopped yesterday, and this is what it said…

“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle” (Psalm 144:1 NIV). I have been in a battle. Any time we are giving God’s Word out, we engage in battle against a powerful enemy. He will do anything to keep God’s Word from spreading. Now I am writing to get God’s Word out, and I feel that opposition. Never before have we had so many unresolved internet problems. And some days I feel like my head is going to explode from all the new things I am putting into it. But God is using those things to train my hands and fingers so that I can write His message.

After spending time in God’s Word, I was no longer uptight about how long it was taking to get my internet up and running again. I took a walk with God up the mountain behind our house. There were no camels there in my desert, only two ponies and what seemed like thousands of birds singing to Him––a little bit of heaven, a refreshing time with my Creator. I didn’t have to travel to an exotic faraway place to get away from it all (I already live in one). I just needed His refreshing presence.

I know God will teach me what I need to know so that I accomplish the work He has for me. He is at work in me, to enable me to be effective in my service and in my writing. Today when I walked with Him, God confirmed that He is training my hands and fingers to write for Him.

What day is it today? Today (and every day) is a day to remember God. He never forgets you and me. Will you walk with Him in a deserted place today?

About the author: Peggy Cunningham and her husband have been missionaries in Bolivia, South America, since 1981. In 1999, they founded Rumi Rancho Ministries. Rumi Rancho is their ministry base and home outside the city of Cochabamba where they work with the Quechua people and have a children’s ministry. Peggy is also an author. Her children’s books and devotionals are available on Amazon.com, including her latest book Shape Your Soul, 31 Exercises of Faith that Move Mountains, a women’s devotional.

Join the conversation: What has God been teaching you in your times alone with Him?

 

Keeping Hope to Keep the Call

by Pam Farrel           

I was weary—a tired to the bone, drop-dead fatigued, completely exhausted, “can’t take even one more step” kind of weary. It seemed we were caught in the perfect storm: the ship of our life being tossed about on a tumultuous sea of unending responsibilities.

The positive included constant travel for our ministry, which we loved, but it did take a physical and mental toll. We also had ongoing multiple book projects, which are wonderful blessings, but require much labor.

And in the midst of it all, we were dealing with aging parent care, which required Bill to drive through grueling Southern California traffic for months on end. We were both at the end of our proverbial ropes.

I knew that the Word has some prescriptions for handling weariness.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV )

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Psalms 62:5 NIV

“. . .Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31 NIV 

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Ex 33:14 NIV

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work…” Ex 23:12 NIV

I knew I needed rest, renewal, revival, rejuvenation—and recovery! So, when the Professional Women’s Fellowship hosted a one-day retreat at a lovely private estate, I went. And begged God to speak to me there and give me HOPE!

During the hour-long quiet time, I stretched out under the shade of a large tree near the pond. As I opened my journaling Bible, I couldn’t help but think of Psalm 23 as I lay down in “pasture” that was “beside still waters.” So, I continued to pray through the psalm: Lord,  refresh my soul….guide me along the right paths  for [Your] name’s sake.  

I flipped opened my Bible to other Psalms, as I nearly always gain refreshing hope there.  I landed on Psalm 55:22 (NIV): “ Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

I thought, “Wow Lord, this seems the perfect verse for me, but exactly what does it mean to “cast my cares” on You?  And what does it mean that you will “sustain” me —because I REALLY need some sustaining power!”

After praying out my weariness, I looked up and found the word translated as “burden” could also be translated “assignment” or “gift”. I thought, “A gift? Really?” I was beginning to see that I had been viewing the responsibilities God had given me as a burden rather than a blessing. Obviously, I needed a paradigm shift to a more heavenly viewpoint!

I also saw the promise that God would “sustain” me– He would nourish, strengthen, and support me — and make me sufficient to handle my assignment.  God was whispering hope to my soul, that whatever my ministry was depleting, God would pour back into me—and more!

In that moment, peace, relief, and a rejuvenating hope washed over me. To lock this insight into my mind, I sketched out two hands, representing God’s caring hands. In one palm was my “gift” of cares and in the other… myself.

Both you and your calling are held up by the Good Shepherd. We are in His sustaining, caring hands. God’s got us!

About the author: You too can find hope from God in the Psalms: Discovering Hope in the Psalms: A Creative Biblical Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E. Jones, and Karla Dornacher, from Harvest House. Find out more at discoveringhopeinthepsalms.com.

Join the conversation: What burdens do you need to cast upon the Lord?

Photo by Victoria Palacios on Unsplash