Rest and Reset

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

PSALM 4:8

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER after a busy time of celebrating and family fun than rest. Our parents need rest. Our siblings need rest. We need rest. Rest is God’s way of refreshing us. That’s why God set aside the Sabbath, the seventh day, to rest. Even he wanted rest after creating the world.

A lot of times we fight rest, which seems weird since it feels so great to close our eyes and go to sleep. Yet rest doesn’t have to be a nap. It can be quiet time alone, listening to our favorite music, reading a book, or just staring out the window. Rest is different for everyone. But it’s important. It recharges us and helps us feel more like ourselves.

After busy times, like Christmas or moments when we face pressure, rest is especially important. God tells us in the Bible that he will give us rest. All we need to do is bring our troubles, stresses, and tiredness to him. He will provide comfort. So now that the hubbub has settled down, take time to rest up and recharge.

DO

Go into your room and play quiet, relaxing music. Dim your lights or close your blinds. Spend the time listening. Let your entire body relax. Do something quiet, like look at pictures or draw. Don’t look at any screens, though. Make this brief rest break a habit for the next few days.

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me rest when I need it. Please help me remember that I’ll feel better and more like myself when I take breaks and rest. Amen.

READ

Exodus 33:14; Psalm 127:2