FINDING REST IN 2025-By Heidi McLaughlin
Posted: January 13, 2025
People seem tired. Overwhelmed. Don’t know how to fix it. This generation has more conveniences and shot-cuts than any other portion of history, so why are we so weary? Around 2005 when the Internet revolutionized the world we became global stalkers with 24/7 access and information. Don’t even get me started on what technology has done to our lives.
Let’s move toward solutions.
Firstly, ask yourself what kind of rest you need. Do you need physical rest that craves more sleep, naps, sitting and doing nothing? Do you need social rest that demands freedom from the onslaught of screen times and dopamine stimulation? Do you struggle with FOMO (fear of missing out) and need a break from social activities? Do you need to take a break from your daily demands and lean into something that will stimulate your creative energy? To discover what kind of rest you need I highly recommend my friend Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book on SACRED REST. (See link below to order it).
The Bible always has the simple answer.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-29 says: “ 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.” There are 3 ways we can find rest in any situation:
- COME – To make anything happen we have to move toward it. Intentionally. To find rest of any kind it needs to start with leading ourselves and coming into the presence of the only One who can help us. You and Jesus are the starting point of finding ALL your rest.
- BEND – To join anyone in a yoke you have to bend your head and neck to station it on your shoulders. Joining Jesus in His yoke and being in step with Him means you have to bend. To align with his steps it means you have to humble yourself, your lifestyle, your wants and desires.
- LEARN – How do you know when you are out of step with Jesus?Ask yourself: “How am I spending my time and my money?” Those are the two most precious commodities we have and will determine where our life-style has lost its way.
The solution for weariness is simple but hard to implement. It means changing the rhythm of your lifestyle. First step. COME. Because the decisions you make today determine your life tomorrow. May 2025 be a year of refreshment and restoration. God be with you.
TO PURCHASE SACRED REST:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sacred+rest&i=stripbooks-intl-ship&crid=1OORGMNGNQRBA&sprefix=sacred+rest%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C162&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
