Mr. Fix It

“Sometimes God lets you be in a situation that only He can fix so that you can see that He is the One who fixes it; rest. He's got it.” (Tony Evans)

It’s a challenge to balance work and rest. It’s easier for some than others. Taking time to rest is an integral part of life especially when things feel like they’re going out of control. You may think you don’t have time, but if you keep pushing yourself to your limits your long-term effectiveness lessens. Eventually you’ll burn out, and your body will find a way to force you to take a break. Here are some ways you can take care of yourself so you can serve as faithfully to God as He asks you to. Your goal is to be productive not just BUSY (Bound Under Satan’s Yoke).

1.     Disconnect (from your phone) when you go home from a long day.

2.     Do something that is not ministry or work related. Embrace a change of pace.

3.     Engage with nature, and get outside.

4.     Get enough physical exercise. Let go of your stress.

5.     Know yourself. Watch for indicators that you need to rest. Be aware of your breaking points.

6.     Learn to rest even when things aren’t finished.

7.     Serve until you’re tired but not weary. Listen to God. Ask, “What is He calling me to do?”

8.     Set aside time to rest after a major event, project, or training time. Work hard then rest well.

9.     Take a break from people when you need it. Enjoy the silence. Hear from God.

10.            Take a quarterly retreat for spiritual enrichment, setting aside time to pray and refocus. Turn your phone off. Share what God taught you with those who serve alongside you.

11.            Take a relaxing vacation.

12.            Take a Sabbath every week. If Sunday is a work day for you, take another day as your day of rest.

“Rest is a decision we make. Rest is choosing to do nothing when we have too much to do, slowing down when we feel pressure to go faster, stopping instead of starting. Rest is listening to our weariness and responding to our tiredness, not to what is making us tired. Rest is what happens when we say one simple word: No.” (Mike Yaconelli)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “17 Ways to Rest, Relax, and Recharge” By Chris Adams

·    “How to Make Time to Rest and Relax When Life is Totally Crazy” by Erin Ford

 

Inspired by the sermon “Rest: Threads” (installment one) Sunday March 1, 2020, Dave Jansen CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH