He energizes those who get tired…those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired; they walk and don’t lag behind (Isaiah 40:29-31).
We don’t often think of “effortlessness” as a characteristic we should cultivate in our lives. Most of us were raised to always try harder and do more in order to maximize our potential. Although my life mission is to empower people to maximize their potential, I believe the key is not in maximizing one’s “doing” as much as one’s “being.”
When I think of effortlessness, I think of entering God’s rest—a major theme throughout the Bible. Living authentically has much to do with living effortlessly—not striving, conniving, manipulating, clamoring to get ahead, etc.
When you rest in God, you are operating from a place of supernatural power, causing everything you do to seem effortless. It may take effort to enter that place, but it will energize you once you’re there.
Repose is a quality too many undervalue. In the clamor one is irresistibly drawn to the woman who sits gracefully relaxed, who keeps her hands still, talks in a low voice, and listens with responsive eyes and smiles. She creates a spell around her, charming to the ear, the eye and the mind. —Good Housekeeping, November 1947
ACTION STEPS
| Where do you need more “know-how”—or where in your life are you feeling opposition or boxed in? What does not feel effortless? |
| Try putting effort instead into pursuing God’s rest. Practice “being still” and trusting God to lift you up so you soar—no, vault—effortlessly over the highest fences. |
| Keep company with God so you learn to live freely and lightly. |
Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly (Matthew 11:29-30).