Rest is Warfare

“Rest is Warfare.” I heard this phrase recently. It intrigues me. This equation has tension, pulling in two separate directions. Why does rest require such effort?

I have found that keeping space for myself is hard. There are all sorts of reasons for that. Some of that is simply the season of life I am in. I can extend grace to myself for that. But some is my inability to say “no” to exciting opportunities that come along. As God does, he’s been working in my spirit to embrace the things we associate with rest. 

Space. Sleep. Solitude. Stillness.

For 2023, God’s word he gave me for the year was “SABBATH.” Really? But God…don’t you know that, of all years, sabbath is near impossible? 

Oh he knows. He calls me right into what I need most but don’t think I am able to obtain on my own. This is the glory of God, that in my most vulnerable weakness, his power is made complete. This is why I finally give up my own power and collapse wearily into his arms. “Come to me all who are weary…”

The warfare I am in is to keep space for communion with the Lord in those moments of space, sleep, solitude, and silence. This means setting boundaries. Learning to say “no” to the new and exciting things. Recognizing that God has already entrusted me with enough. My joy is to remain in loving union with Jesus.

Dear God, I come to you, weary and burdened. In your loving kindness, you exchange my burdens for yours. I release to you my heavy weights today. Lighten my heart and mind with your yoke. In Jesus’ name, Amen.