Finding Rhythms of Rest
Summer is full of fun and sun. I absolutely love Summer, it’s my favorite season. Maybe it’s because I know that vacation time is coming. I always look forward to my vacation time. Finding a time to rest and unwind from the crazy, busyness of life is important to me. One of my most favorite places to visit on vacation is the ocean. I am completely mesmerized by the rhythmic sounds of the waves that beat upon the sand. The waves are rolling, the wind is blowing, the seagulls are squawking, can you hear it? The smell of sunscreen and salty air wafting through the air, aww…can I just go back now?
I literally sit for hours and just watch the waves and listen to those sounds. During those many hours sitting on the beach this past vacation I listened to those beautiful, natural sounds that the Lord created. For me, it’s in the moments that I feel so close to God - the moments that I get to spend time enjoying his creation, moments where nothing else is vying for my attention. This place sitting by the water’s edge reminds me of how just big our God is.
“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea- the Lord on high is mighty.” Psalm 93:4
Vacation isn’t just about getting away or having fun, which I do love and lots of fun is had. For me, it’s a beautiful time of peace and unplugging. It’s where my soul finds rest.
And when my soul is at unrest, that is when I find myself unraveling. Taking intentional measures of rest is crucial. Even Jesus knew this and modeled this for us. There were times that he went off in solitude to spend time with The Father. As a wife, mother, and minister, I find myself feeling guilty at times if I take that time of solitude or rest. The work never ends, the demands never stop, but if I don’t take a healthy approach to those demanding requests, I won’t be a healthy wife, mom, or minister. If I only rest during that one week of vacation out of the entire year, I would be a depleted woman. And a depleted mama is no good to anyone. Taking times of rest means I need to be intentional about it. Rest allows my body and soul to renew. If God’s word tells us to rest, and Jesus demonstrated rest, then it we need to see its importance.
In Mark 6, Jesus sees that the ministry to others was quite demanding, so he says to his disciples, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” There is the key, being with Jesus in the quiet place. In the midst of all of the noise of this world, we just need the quiet place with the Lord.
Here are just a few things that I do to help me find those quiet moments.
· Spend time with Jesus.
I know it may sound cliché, but Jesus is what we need. I find when I am spending time in His Word, my soul is full. His Word is powerful. I love to listen to my Bible app as well. Sometimes changing up my routine of Bible reading helps me to stay engaged in what the Word is saying.
· Journal
Sometimes I find the words flow more naturally as I write them out compared to just speaking them out to the Lord. I journal many prayers. It’s also amazing to go back and read them and reflect on how the Lord brought you through many situations and how He answered.
· Take a nap
I love being practical. When I am grumpy, overwhelmed, or frustrated its usually because I am overstimulated and just straight-up tired. Sometimes a nap gives you just enough rest so you can recharge.
· Unplug
In this world of social media, the demand for our attention to answer to it instantly is tremendous. Taking purposeful breaks from our phones, social media and anything that is stealing our time is only beneficial to us and our families.
In however you find rest, I pray that as you seek God, you will find Him. For God is our endless source of peace and strength. Now go take a nap!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ELISHA CRUZ
Elisha Cruz is a wife, mother, speaker, worship leader and a lover of all things coffee. Elisha serves as a staff pastor along side of her husband who leads Freedom Life Church, Milton, PA. Her greatest passion is to encourage and teach women to become all that God has called them to be, as daughters of the King. Elisha serves on the Penn-Del Women Dream Team.