Breaks between Rushes

It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. (Psalm 127:2 NAS)

Just a month into a brand new year and I am totally exhausted, badly in need of rest. Every day I rise up early to rush to work, spending almost the entire day laboring for my bosses. At the end of the day, I stay up late to catch up with the things I need to do, and then spend a little time to share a word of encouragement or two online. The weekends are also not spared from doing the things that are necessary besides serving the Lord and His people through devotional writing.

Like me, many of us are rushing all the time and it is not uncommon we take busyness as part and parcel of life. Such frequent rushing however is not good because it often leaves us exhausted and deprived of badly needed rest.
 
Jesus said to His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” This He said because the disciples were so busy serving the people that they did not even have time to eat (Mark 6:31). God’s word makes it very clear that it is in vain that we should rise up early and retire late to eat the bread of painful labors, for God gives to us even in our sleep (Psalm 127:2).

Are we too busy doing too many things and finding ourselves not having enough time to study God’s word, pray, and rest? If we are, we need to consider making some serious changes in the way we live. We need to slow down and go away to a secluded place and rest a while. Taking breaks between the rushes is important because it helps replenish our energy and refresh our minds for better concentration.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest,” said Jesus. “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” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Dear Lord, thank You for granting us rest, and for showing us the vanity of waking up early and retiring late. We know Lord there is no reason for us to lose sleep over work or ministry because You give to us even in our sleep. Keep us focused on You Lord that we may not in our busyness neglect the more important things You intent for us. Help us find time to go away to a secluded place to rest and pray Lord, especially amid the rushes. You O Lord are an understanding God, gentle and humble in heart, and in You we find complete rest.