Knowing When To Rest

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

I love to-do lists. They are one of my favorite things. I thoroughly enjoy crossing off tasks throughout the course of a day, and in fact, sometimes I’ll write down an item I’ve already done just so that I can cross it off.

Most days, this is helpful for me. I feel accomplished and purposeful when I’m checking jobs off the list. It helps me manage my stress level and reminds me of upcoming items that need to be completed or scheduled.

But then there are days when I’m weary. I feel tired or just down, and my to-do list overwhelms me. When I was young, I used to push myself to keep working anyway, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that sometimes my mind, body, and spirit are ready for a break. I must listen to my own needs as well as everybody else’s.

It happened again just the other day. As I set to work, I found myself just pushing through. As I finished what I needed to get done and looked at several less urgent items that I could have turned my attention to next, I heard a whisper: You’ve done enough for today.

I sat back in my chair, recognizing the familiar voice of the Lord.

“Okay,” I said as I closed my computer, grateful for the wisdom that comes from listening to God and heeding what he tells me to do, even when it’s to rest.

We live in a society that values productivity and achievement. Although that’s not always bad, it can become unhealthy when taken to extremes. We are not machines. God made our bodies to need rest, and in fact, Scripture says that he gives rest to those he loves. That means me. And that means you too.

I’m so grateful that God values work and rest. And so should we.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Take some time to rest, thanking God for this much-needed provision.