Yesterday we shared six ideas to help you be intentional about resting this summer.
God is honored by our hard work but as our Creator, He knows we need rest from tasks that make us tired, challenges that demand our energy and concerns that cause stress.
Today we have five more ways that God wants to give you rest this summer:
- Rest from Work: God wants to give you refreshment.
- Rest from Troubles: God wants you to enjoy the gift of stillness.
- Rest from Anxiety: God wants to bring you peace.
- Rest from Busyness: God wants you give you time to recharge.
- Rest from Stress: God wants to take away your burdens.
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12, NIV
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him …” Psalm 37:7, NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7, NIV
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31, NIV
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29, NIV
Making It Practical
When we live at such a fast pace, we forget what to do with that time we free up when we slow down. Here are a few ideas:
Grab a good book.
Take some time each day to get lost in a great book. Visit your local library or download the latest best-seller to your e-reader.
Try something new.
A new restaurant, a new hobby, a new jogging route or hiking trail — simple changes in your daily routine can make you feel energized. Take a friend along or enjoy some time alone.
Get Compassion Magazine on your iPad.
If you have an iPad and haven’t switched your subscription from print to digital, you’re missing out. Going digital brings you extra photos, videos and special features you won’t find in the print version.
Journal.
Keep a prayer journal full of your dreams, aspirations and praises. Write down what God is teaching you and what you hope to learn and experience over the next few months.
How do you recharge? Have a suggestion for a great book? A weekend activity? Share your tips below!