Rest Over Worry

November 11, 2020

Rest Over Worry

REST OVER WORRY

How to physically rest while God is at work.


What is your reaction to hearing someone mention or list out the events that have taken place in the year 2020? I believe most of us can’t help but shudder or succumb to headache and heartache when we reflect back on the events of the past year. Most people would agree that it has felt like a year entirely overwhelmed with fear, loss, anxiety, and exhaustion. In times where we have been called to stay home, rest, and take care of ourselves, (and others by doing so), a lot of us have found ourselves more exhausted from worry, fatigue, and longing for “normalcy”. Jobs have been lost, loved ones have been ill, and those in our immediate circle have had to be considered in every decision we make, now more than ever before. Not only do you have to consider and trust your loved ones, but now you must do so with strangers as well and hope that your health and well-being won’t be affected by any decisions they’ve made because now you have to consider and protect those in your circle. Even writing (and I’m sure reading) this is exhausting! Man is our world in desperate need of some true, spiritual rest.

In the midst of all of the tribulations our world has faced in the year 2020, I have felt a tug on my heart to discover the true definition of and purpose behind rest. I’m not talking about the “Instagram-story bingo” broadcasting all of the “restful” tasks we accomplished in the first few weeks of quarantine (i.e. reading 10 new books, finishing a puzzle, binging a series, etc.). I’m talking about true rest that can only be found in trusting the Lord Almighty with how He is at work in all things. 

The first step of discovering true rest involves surrendering all things to God by acknowledging our innate need for rest. Oftentimes we find it hard to believe that the Bible specifically calls us to rest because we have become wired to operate in a world that teaches us we are to actively fight, lead the charge, never stop working, and always be aiming for the next thing. How easy it is to get lost in the whirlwind of measurements and judgments of the flesh when we operate on these principles. Naturally, we begin to believe that our worth is based on our productivity and growth - not on what the Lord says of us. We are His sons and daughters. He promises to lead, protect, and work for our good - especially when we hand it over it to Him in true surrender. By choosing to rest, we invite God in to do a work within us so that we can hear Him clearly and have a mind and heart that is ready to accept what He is waiting to show us. Ephesians 3:20 says, “God can do anything, you know. Far more than anything you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” 

When I think of how to tangibly practice spiritual rest, I can’t help but think about the song, “God I Look to You”, by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson. Would you read the first verse of that song out loud with me? 

“God I look to You. I won’t be overwhelmed. Give me vision, to see things like You do. God, I look to You. You’re where my help comes from. Give me wisdom. You know just what to do.”

What if we incorporated those lyrics into our prayers each morning? What if before our feet even hit the floor, we allow our minds to rest in the beauty of this acknowledgment of our desperate need for His intervention and guidance in our day? What if instead of inviting anxiety in the second our eyes open, we choose to speak out with our need for God and His infinite wisdom and sovereignty? What if instead of running circles in our minds around all of the worldly “what if’s”, we had conversations with our Creator asking Him to reveal His purpose behind the questions, the struggles, and the unknowns? What if we asked Him to show us the working in our waiting? These are the “what if’s” I want answers to. 

In a year that has felt burdened by worry, loss, grief, and anxiety, let’s turn our eyes on Him, seeking true rest and trust in what greater good the Lord is at work creating. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”. We can bring our burdens, anxious thoughts, and unknowns to His feet, and acknowledge that our Lord asks us to rest so that He may do a work in our hearts. Then, we can walk boldly knowing that our Lord intervenes and equips us for whatever may lie ahead. We just have to allow ourselves the space to see it.

Jessie

Meet The Author

Jessie Barr is a speech-language pathologist based in Dallas, TX. She is a firm believer in the power words can hold when spoken over someone with the light and love of the gospel and aims to help people see the value they bring to the world. She loves connecting with other women of Christ through their unique stories and is excited to be a part of the W&HC community.






Also in Wheatful Woman Blog

Give us strength to persevere
Give us strength to persevere

March 22, 2023

Today, when we find ourselves overcomplicating, overthinking, overdoing, and striving, ground us in your truth, God. Give us strength to persevere in the things we’re working towards this year, but remind us often of what really matters. Keep our eyes fixed on you when distractions come our way. Help us to not miss the dozens of opportunities you’ve given us today to practice love with the people around us. Help us to make space in our lives to experience your love first today and as your lo...

View full article →

Postpartum
Postpartum "must haves" for mama & baby

March 19, 2023

Some of my favorite things I didn't know I needed the first few weeks postpartum. I pray this helps one expecting mama out there (or a friend or family member looking for the latest things to help during newborn life!) to have something she didn't know she needed in the crazy of those first few weeks with your newborn!

View full article →

Today's Climb
Today's Climb

March 15, 2023

Lord, we all find ourselves facing obstacles and challenges today. We’re all trying to figure things out and find ourselves failing and falling often. Help us to see the rocks before us today as opportunities. May we confront them today with confidence as we experience your grace and goodness in them. Help us to extend grace to those around us, too, knowing that everyone is facing their own “climb” today. Thank you for reminding us that we’re surrounded by fellow rock climbers and are not al...

View full article →