Why do you think you can do it all and not wear yourself down?
Everyone needs margin to rest, reset and refuel. One day at a time. That’s what we were created for, to only handle so much and then let it go and rest. It’s when we try to take on more than what we have bandwidth to handle, within a limited period of time, that we begin to wear ourselves down. Everyone needs rest.
Of course you can overextend yourself, but not for long periods of time. It will catch up with you. Grace yourself my friend. In seasons where your time with God feels short and fragmented, and life presses and pulls – He is still there. It is God who gives us rest.
God is not judging you, he’s strengthening you. He’s gently reminding you that rest is how one is replenished. It’s hard to be filled up afresh, if one’s container is never emptied out.
He’s loving, gracing, and calling you to lean in to Him.
God is with you. If He is asking you to let go and lay down some of your “to-do” list, trust Him. He can multiply your efforts as you take time to rest in His presence. His presence changes the atmosphere of our hearts and directs our lives in the way we should go. God can give us rest, reset our minds, and refuel our hearts, as we make space for Him to work on our behalf.
Maybe He’s asking you to lay down worry and fear, and pick up the posture of a warrior by praying scripture over your relationships and circumstances. Don’t stop. This is how we were meant to fight. Worrying drains your energy while praying restores it.
“This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Jeremiah 6:16
Trust Him. God will meet you right there.
His Word never returns void and it will accomplish what He sent it out to do (Isaiah 55:10-12).
I believe God is asking many of us to go one step further with Him. For me, that means taking time to hear His voice, which is often that inner knowing; a feeling that I can’t shake. It’s a continual surrendering of my will to His will. And asking God what He desires for me to do today, and being open to changing my plans for His. Practically this means taking the summer off of college, to be more present for my family when I am home, especially with working a full time job.
I’d love to hear what this looks like for you, in the season you are in?
I’m cheering you on!
With much love and grace,
Joelle Povolni
Note: For more on the topic of God’s rest, check out Unraveled and Looking for Rest.
