Category Archives: Rest

Busy for the Lord

Posted in Busyness, Rest, Sabbath by

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get off track concerning the Lord?  Something that starts out good and is even intended to be of service can quickly become a distraction from that which is necessary and essential.
 
In my fallen sinful nature it’s so easy to let things or people distract me from the Lord.  All too easily I let activity eclipse the need for worship and undistracted study of God’s word alongside the body of Christ. 
 
The Lord has been doing business with me in areas where I have gotten off track.  It would be far better if I were a Mary and not a Martha, which is my natural tendency. 
 
It’s far too tempting for me to desire to be pleasing to people and let them set my schedule rather than go to the Lord and ask what He would have me to do.  When I let other people drive my schedule…it may be filled from morning to night taking care of all sorts of things that the Lord never intended for me to do.  When I know that my schedule is ordered by the Lord…that it’s far easier to say no or yes when and where it’s appropriate, because I’ve already said yes to the Lord.
 
It seems kind of crazy…but if I want to have that time with the Lord…if I want to be obedient and have a Sabbath rest then I need to intentionally and purposely plan for that. 
 
On Sunday as I sat in our Bible study class the Lord spoke clearly to me, “Susan, love Me more!” 
 
What does loving the Lord more look like?  How will that impact my schedule and activities?  How will it affect my attitude?  I liken it loving my husband.  Some of the ways I demonstrate my love for Chris and how my love is manifest will be similar to how I love the Lord. 
 
The one thing that I know is that I can’t even do that on my own.  Instead I need to go to the Lord and ask for Him to guide me and direct my steps.  I need to be still and listen for the Lord. 
 

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It’s About Time

Posted in Rest, Sabbath, Stress, Time by

Have you ever noticed that when the Lord wants to get a point across…He keep bringing that subject into your path over and over again, from different sources.

Recently our Pastor has preached several sermons about the importance of keeping the Sabbath, about being too busy and not getting enough rest.  In addition to the sermons…I’ve encountered a similar messages in John Eldredge’s book, “Walking with God”, in a magazine article and on the radio. 

All right, all right already…I get it!  But do I really?

These well timed messages come in the middle of some very busy weeks filled with lots of activity but precious little rest.  It’s a bad combination that leaves me exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  I’m operating on no reserves and have nothing left to give.  That’s not a good way to start or end the day. 

All of this got me to thinking about being too busy, not getting sufficient rest or spending enough time with the Lord. 

It’s easier to say no to God than it is to the person standing in front of me.

It’s hard to be patient when I’m tired.

It’s hard to slow down when I’m constantly on the go.

It’s hard to know when to say “No” even though I’m already overwhelmed.

There’s nothing in me that reflects the joy of the Lord. 

When I’m constantly on the go…I’m not listening to the Lord or able to discern what He would have me to do.

Do I use busyness to keep from hearing from God?

My schedule and activities are ordered by other people instead of by God.

I sacrifice that which is essential, important and eternal for that which is temporal, meaningless and of no consequence.

When tired, I’m self absorbed and care less about others.

I’m not loving when exhausted and stressed.

I’m uncompassionate when running on empty.

When I feel the pressing need to get things done I’m impatient…even with God.  I want everyone to “get to the point”. 

I can’t hear God clearly because my mind won’t settle down and listen.

When I’m not listening to God and seeking His direction…how can I obey Him?

When I’m not spending time with God…how to I know and love Him more?

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