Permission to Rest

Unprecedented times have put us in places of unexpected separation and isolation. Regular schedules and seasons have been disrupted and many are left wondering, "What now?" 

An interrupted routine calls for creativity in connection and planning for the future. Yet, have you taken time to recognize this opportunity to slow down and rest? Have you taken time to align your heart to the Spirit of the Lord? At a time that feels like the Lord has pressed pause on the world of work, how are you choosing to respond?

As athletes and coaches, our instinct pushes us towards performance. How can I maximize my time and productivity? The reality of an empty calendar can feel crippling. If I'm not careful, I begin to fill my schedule with musings to make me feel more accomplished. What if this time is an opportunity to put first things first? We can spend our most quality time with Jesus, sleep to feel rested and spend time with those around us that mean the most.

In Hebrews 3 and 4, the writer talks about "entering into God's rest." The wandering Israelites never entered the rest of God because of their unbelief (Hebrews 3:19). Under the new covenant, we can enter into true rest by trusting Jesus as our Savior.

When we choose to trust Jesus with not just our whole lives, but with each moment and day, we can rest as God himself did. On the seventh day, God didn't need to rest. He wasn't tired! But He chose to rest as a model for His creation. Resting is an act of trust. When we are rested in Christ, we don't have to earn anything by working, but we can work from a place of trust and rest. While physical rest is important, more than anything, you need "heart rest." You need to come into a place that doesn't require striving, emailing, texting or performing. You need to be encouraged and delighted in for who God has made you to be, not just what He has made you to do.