I was worn out—physically and spiritually.
Days earlier I’d told my ministry partner, “I feel like I’m in a desert. I can see an oasis within arm’s reach, but it’s like someone nailed one foot deep into the sand and all I can do is walk in circles.”
Just like everyone else, I juggled multiple tasks: women’s ministry, travel, teaching, writing, caring for my family. All the “stuff” of the world had me staked down into the sand and walking in circles. Very tiring circles.
I was exactly where the world wanted me . . . in Christian overload. It happens to many of us involved in church. The 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. I loved the work I did, especially at church. It was a joy to do my part to grow the kingdom.
So when my hair literally began to fall out, my blood pressure rose, and I found myself pacing the floor at all hours of the night, something had to go. After a visit to the doctor and a few blood tests that proved normal, the doctor gave me a sheet of paper filled with squares.
“I want you to write down everything you do.”
I smiled and asked how long I had to complete the task. He didn’t laugh, but gave me 24 hours.
I filled out the paper and quickly found myself carrying tasks over to a new sheet. It only took one page to realize how much busy work I was doing. Busy work that wasn’t productive to the kingdom. The busyness drained me physically and spiritually.
The writer of the psalm hit the nail on the head. Rest is found in God. We simply need to learn to find our solace there. When we become fully dependent on Him, rest is not far behind. Not just our physical rest, but a balm for our soul.
I released much of my busyness to become healthier. It was hard, but what made it successful was grasping hold of my Father in heaven so He could pare down and refine my work. When I made real space for the relationship with Christ, the “rest” came. The world calls us to overdo, but the palmist teaches us to find rest in the Lord.
Truly, our rest is found in Christ. Reach out to Him and take hold.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.