It seems that all around me people are enjoying or planning to enjoy spring break. I am in the midst of planning Soaring With God to New Destinations conference to be held in May in Florida. My to-do list is long and sometimes feels overwhelming.
The contrast of the two experiences has me considering what God says about vacations and rest.
Today, I want to talk about finding rest when you are in the middle of a busy schedule like I am right now. How do we maintain rest (think peace and contentment) when to-do lists are long, the calendar is full, and there are other emotional concerns?
Psalm 121:1-2 gives us a clue to my first strategies for finding rest when you are not in a restful season.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
The first step to finding rest in whatever circumstances you are in is to recognize that the Lord is the source of any and all help that you need. In practical terms this means find time to meet with God even when your day is full of other things to do.
Don’t have time for a 30 minute quiet time? Check out the Bible verse of the day on the many Bible apps that are out there. Speak and listen to God when you are in the shower. Take a prayer walking break around the house or office or just pause and stretch with a prayer of thanks on your lips.
Schedule five minutes first thing in the morning to be with God. Set your alarm five minutes earlier (come on, it’s just five minutes) and give that time to the Lord.
Make a gratitude list habit any time throughout the day: with your morning coffee, walking to the restroom, during lunch, or before your turn the light off to sleep all work.
Any or all of these ideas will help to remind you that your help comes from the Lord.
The second step is found in the first line of the psalm, “I will lift my eyes to the mountains.” Whenever and wherever you can, take a moment to look to nature to find a moment of peace.
Recently, in the midst of a torrential Florida downpour, I looked out the window to find the ibis (birds) perched on the branches of nearby trees. It amazed me they weren’t hunkered down deep in the brush, but were perched on the limbs. Immediately I felt peace. It was a reminder of God’s care for us even in the midst of a storm.
There is always room in your schedule to rest in God.
It only takes a moment.
Acknowledge God as the source of your help. He will bring rest to your mind, body, and spirit.