Rest

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing

the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and

perfect.

”Romans 12:2

Changing one’s perspective and mindset is a huge part of the believer’s journey. Before someone comes to know Christ, he or she has the mind of flesh. This mindset comes from a lifestyle of patterns of selfishness, fear, and rejection. This mindset pushes us to strive and consume. Even after we surrender to God, we tend to continue in old patterns because even though the spirit of the man has been remade (John 1:12-13), his mind/soul is still being sanctified each day (Luke 9:23).

When I was a new believer, ages ago, I was quickly sucked into “church ministry” and volunteered for everything. I did it joyfully and willingly and loved the feeling of serving the Lord in this way. After years of service, I realized that I had become overwhelmed “doing” all the church stuff along with the work as a wife, mother, and my job. I had reached severe burnout. 

Someone had to tell me,

“Hey, sis! It’s okay to lay some things down, to say ‘no, and to rest.”

 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

I soon realized that my mindset had been all wrong! Jesus called me first to come to Him and to let Him give me rest! He hadn’t called me to come to Him and take up new burdens of doing all the things that seemed spiritual and important! God showed me that I had made ministry an idol, and I was striving for the acceptance that I already had. The truth was that Jesus fully accepted me when I was broken, lost, and in need of Him. When I yielded my life to Him, I was reborn and seated with Him in heaven! What was I striving for? We are not ‘human doings,’ but ‘human beings’ and part of understanding that truth is accepting our true identities as sons and daughters of God. We have the mind of Christ (1 Corin. 2:16) and we know the thoughts of God.

God showed me that I had made

ministry an idol, and I was striving

for the acceptance that I already

had.

He loves and accepts us. We can’t be any more loved and accepted than we are today. Therefore, I do the good He has prepared for me as a response to His Love (2 Corin. 5:14-15). Doing good to be more acceptable is a lie from the spirit of religion. Sometimes the good things can distract us from the “God” things. There are times when the Lord will give you work to do. In those times, He also gives you grace for the work. You will work with joy because you are in alignment with His plan for you. In other seasons, the Lord may call you to rest. Learn to discern your season by tuning into Him and asking for the revelation.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

Intimacy with God is the key to hearing Him well and serving Him in His power and grace. Cultivate a rhythm of time with Him that provides rest for your soul in His presence. If you are someone who struggles with rest, it may be time for a perspective shift. The concept of rest is fundamental in scripture from Genesis through Revelation. God commanded His people to rest on Mount Sinai, and the Sabbath became central to life and worship. We must unlearn doing as a central part of worship and relearn rest. If you’re waiting for permission to rest, here it is. . . I give you permission to rest.

Now, ask the Lord to help you let go of things that are keeping you ‘doing’ when you should be resting. Ask Him to show you what needs to be laid down and what you are carrying that He should be. I pray you enter into a season of re-connecting to yourself and to Him in. . . rest.