WHEN YOU CRAVE REST

“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made…..’Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one….'” Luke 10:40-42

I am noticing that April and May are a busy time for women. As the school year is winding down, I notice that my mind is swirling trying to hold onto all of the loose pieces of information bouncing in and out of my mind…..school project due dates, money due for  field trips, teacher gifts, dates to remember for school events and birthday parties, and all of the camp forms coming in for summer camp sign ups. To say the least, my brain feels mushy right now, with all of the information overload. (would I trade it….no….still love being Mom.) But when I remember that I don’t have to be Super Mom…..peace comes.

The organization that started out strong in my household back in September is needing a declutter session about now and summer is calling our names. Many of you dancers may be preparing for end of the season performances, and you know the stress that can bring on….all of the details and preparation. April and May are hopping with the newness of spring, but if we are not careful, the busyness can really drag us down. For me, I start to think that if I just move at a faster pace, never stop, and just plow through it all, it will get done. And then any free moment I have, I unwisely choose a time-robber….like checking my email and instagram for an escape from the busyness. And where does that leave me…..nowhere. Still overwhelmed….maybe even more so. What my soul really craves is rest.

Put your name in those verses today….for example…”Sarah, Sarah”, the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed, or indeed only one….” What’s the ONE thing that is needed? Time with Jesus. He offers, no He promises, REST for our souls when we GIVE Him our burdens…

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Burdens….I think burdens can be big and heavy. But I also think burdens can be a bunch of small things….and the problem is that when we carry all of those small things (details, information, stress) it becomes too heavy. Christ wants to carry your burdens on His shoulders so that you do not have to carry them. He wants you to know the incredible peace and rest you can have in Him. (sleep deprived mamas – this includes you!) :)

So how do we give Him our burdens, worries, and stress? First, I think we step away a little bit. Take a break from whatever it is that is causing you stress right now. Ask the Spirit to show you what that is. Then, we do some porch-sittin, or rocking chair sittin, or whatever it is for you (bring some coffee or your favorite iced tea along) and we just talk to Jesus. Tell Him everything on Your heart. Pour it out to Him so that He can fill your heart up again. Because we all get dry, empty, and plain tired. Instead of plowing through all the things we need to do, what if we became more productive, effective, and peaceful by stepping away from the busyness in order to make space to spend with Jesus.

Sometimes, spiritually, we get out of balance. By that I mean, our time with the Lord gets outweighed by our busy schedule. That leads to a dry spirit and a sense of just feeling overwhelmed. Let your heart get back in balance with the Lord:

“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2

Prayer: “Lord, You know how spiritually dry I have felt during this busy time of year. Show me what I need to step away from in order to spend more time with You….”

Please drop me a line if you need prayer today: sarahbethmarr@gmail.com I would LOVE to pray for you.