My dogs are constantly taking time to nap. Usually they curl up on the sofa or in their bed. But sometimes they zonk out in the funniest positions or places! It’s not because they’re bored. They have a zillion toys, each other, our family to interact and play with, and a large yard to run, watch squirrels and birds…
but they instinctively know when it’s time to rest, and they listen.
Are we listening to our bodies? Do we know when it’s time to rest? Or are we running ourselves ragged?
Most of us work from sun up to sun down, and some even longer, into the wee hours of the morning. We’ve probably all felt that heavy feeling that comes over the body and mind when we’re exhausted. Let me just say…
It’s okay to rest. Really!
It’s okay to rest. Really!
I think we need to give ourselves permission to rest, more often than we think. And we don’t have to feel guilty for resting. In fact, we can pat ourselves on the back and feel proud for caring for our body– that precious (yet fragile) vehicle that carries us along life’s road.
God encourages us to rest. There are many Bible verses that tell us about the importance of rest. God even shows us the importance of rest by resting on the seventh day after he created the world:
On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. — Genesis 2:2
On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. — Genesis 2:2
God knows when we neglect to rest our body and mind, our inner peace suffers, and our bodies wear down. We get quick-tempered, burnt out, anxious, stressed, our muscles ache, and the list goes on! God wants to help us honor our bodies and feel less guilty for taking time out for self-care. Mostly, he wants to encourage us to rest IN HIM!
Feeling worn out? Take time to rest, both physically and spiritually. Set aside your “to-do” list for a moment. Talk to God about your struggles and invite him to carry your burdens. Take time to listen too. He can show you a better way to do things, and help you find creative ways to schedule (and prioritize) moments of rest in your day.
Here 7 bible verses that have encouraged me to rest, both physically and spiritually. I pray they’ll be an encouragement to you:
1. Matthew 11:28-30
“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
2. Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.”
3. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
4. Mark 6:31
“Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
5. Exodus 33:14
“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”
6. Philippians 4:6-7
“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.”
7. Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Warm Blessings to you and your beloved pets!
Pawz and Pray 