Hurry… Hurry… Hurry… another day of pressing tasks on my calendar. I feel rushed to finish this chore and move on. The day passes swiftly; there is no time to waste. As I grow older, life seems busier, even after retirement. I haven’t learned to stop, take a breath, relax, and rewind. Discipline is the key to resting, and it requires practice by aligning my passions and my desires with God’s Word.

As a teenager, I enjoyed listening to music—the lyrics, the melody, and the message conveyed. I recall my first tape recorder. It came equipped with pause, stop, and rewind buttons. If I missed something I wanted to hear again, I’d rewind the tape. I could pause while resting for a few minutes. As the music played, I patted my foot. I sang along to enjoy the message that penetrated deep within my soul. Those three words remind me of their message, prompting me to create space for them. At times, I experience a sensation akin to circling on a roller coaster. I want to get off; I’m tired of the ride. My soul needs quieting. 

Rest For The Weary

Is there rest for the weary soul? Do I have to carry my daily burdens alone? Wouldn’t it be delightful to have the ability to pause life? My mind replays all the things I have to do to take care of family—food preparation, paying bills, and unexpected expenses or family illnesses—like a tape recorder. With my heart racing, I don’t consider pausing. I can’t waste time. I’m sinking into quicksand, going deeper and deeper by the minute. I ask for help at God’s throne. I instantly hear God’s sweet spirit say, Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” God invites me to find rest through Him. I can take a deep breath and pause when I realize God is my burden-bearer. I can rely on His strength to carry me through each day because I trust Him alone.  

Hit The Pause Button, Rest And Rewind

I turn to the Lord in prayer. He hears me, and He saves me from my troubles. I pause the button and note everything happening around me—my fears, frustrations, and worries. Despite my chaotic life, I trust in God’s control. I take a deep breath, rest in His presence, and cling to His promises. When my mind is at rest in Him, I’m at perfect peace. Because I’m indwelt by His Spirit, I can overcome any health issue, family, friend, or restless spirit. He is my Faithful Shepherd and all I need (Psalm 23:1). 

I’m learning to quiet my spirit through those moments of pausing, resting, and reflecting upon His goodness. When I release all my cares into the precious arms of Jesus, I find solace.

Scripture:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 NIV

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NIV

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17

And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:15 NIV

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Moment Of Silence

Take inventory of yourself. Do you have racing thoughts that cause fear, anxiety, or worry? Do you need the rest that only Jesus can provide? Where are you on your spiritual journey? Are you where Jesus wants you to be in growing up spiritually through abiding in His love and grace? If you’ve answered honestly, take a moment before pressing play on life. Get back on track by bringing your cares to the Lord. Experience a newness in your walk by His restoring power that gives you hope to take the next step forward.