Creatures of Habit: Stress vs. Rest

 “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
(Mark 6:31)

I don’t think I have shared with you my word for the year…“Breathe!”  This is the word that I need as my focus for the year!  For me it is a great reminder of the importance of stopping every now and then to simply pause, breathe, and rest.  It is a word of intention and perhaps the one habit in this sermon series that I need to work on the most!  My default is stress!

I often feel that life is just plain busy, often feeling too fast-paced and chaotic to even keep up. Technology keeps us connected around the clock, yet many people feel more distant from peace and rest than ever before. Breathing in Christ means finding our true rest, peace, and renewal in Him—learning to pause, release the weight of the world, and rest in God’s presence.

In my life rest isn’t really a thing.  I run on adrenaline and stress is my motivator.  I am a huge procrastinator which adds to the stress in my life.  I am trying to build a new habit, to not let stress run my life.  I am creating a habit of not working all the time and instead taking time to rest…body, mind and soul.  It is a work in progress for sure!  But, I am finding the importance of the pause, pushing the reset button, spending time nurturing my soul by doing things I love. 

Jesus is a great example of someone who knew the importance of rest.  He was always finding time to himself to pray, not letting the “schedule” dictate his day. I love his words to his disciples when things were getting busy.  He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  They all climbed in a boat and got away from the crowd for some peace and rest!

Creating a habit of rest involves intentionality, it doesn’t just happen on its own.  It is an act of surrender—recognizing that we are not in control and choosing to trust in God instead. Resting in Christ requires slowing down, letting go of the need to constantly strive, and allowing God to be our source of peace. It takes an awareness of when stress starts to creep in and knowing when we need to pause and simply breathe.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

“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.” 
(Matthew 11:28-30)