Recently I started reading Stolen Focus by Johann Hari. Subtitle: Why You Can’t Pay Attention. I read 40 pages then didn’t pick it up again for 2 months. I really liked it, but life just got in the way and ironically, I couldn’t focus.
No matter who I ask, the common theme of 2022 has been BIG. Everyone was excited that COVID-19 was mostly a thing of the past. Everyone was doing too much. We weren’t socially match-fit anymore. We’d taken our desire to be with each other and live in community to the extreme and it was all too much. Everyone was exhausted.
Work was no different – face to face meetings were on again, events were back, and the chaos seemed to be at an all-time high. As someone who loves what I do, and usually likes the pace, it was all pretty overwhelming. Add a theological degree, a family, ministry, our social calendar to the mix, and there were moments of hitting my breaking point.
So, I’m always so thankful for this time of year. When the world slows down a little, we collectively take stock on what matters to us most and reconnect with those we love. But we’re not designed to stop once a year.
We’re designed to bring rest into the natural rhythm of our lives.
Our bodies need it. Our mind needs it. Our souls need it. When we remove ourselves from the crazy, we can be restored. Renewed. Refreshed. Rejuvenated. It’s here that things start to change. Our relationships grow stronger, because we have the energy to invest in people and to make real connections. The work we put our hands to is more productive, because our brains and bodies have the space to work properly.
People rest in different ways. For some it’s a good night’s sleep, a massage, a walk alone, or watching Netflix. And whilst I love each of these, and they are great examples of resting, or doing something for yourself, they will never fulfill us.
Genesis 1:27 shows that we are created in the image of God. Whilst He is capable of all things and doesn’t need rest, He chooses to. He knows it’s healthy and He sets us this example. Genesis 2:2 “God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested.”
Whilst on earth, Jesus did the same thing. He regularly removed Himself and sought out a quiet place to pray and reconnect with His Father.
Jesus didn’t wait until all His work was done before He rested.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35. Jesus knew the connection between rest and prayer. He knew that humbling Himself before His Father gave Him the power, the direction and assurance to live the day ahead well. 3 verses later, Jesus says “Let us go…so I can preach…that is why I have come.” Jesus knew His purpose and knew it wasn’t possible without resting in God first.
So, let’s be intentional in 2023 – to rest, to pray, to stop and be filled by the One who knows how many hairs are on our head. (Psalm 139).
BB
Also, I HIGHLY recommend Stolen Focus, it’ll change your life!
