Taking a Real Rest

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest (Matt 11:28 The Message).”

Recently my wife and I and our youngest son vacationed at the Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg, TN. There were tons of things to do, including seeing caverns, riding ATV’s, and even a lumber jack show! I realized I didn’t need to fill my schedule with a list of things to do, but needed to slow down, get alone with the Lord, and recover my soul.

God reminded me from the text above, how to take a real rest. Doing less was actually doing more toward restoring my soul. We ended up simplifying our plans and taking a hike. Our destination was “Rainbow Falls”, a 5.9-mile round trip journey.

Along the way, we were seriously thinking of turning back (due to sheer exhaustion from the rocky climb). We met a family who were on their way down from the Falls who compelled us to not turn back, because it was worth it!

I realized the hike was a metaphor for the Christian journey. As excitement stirred in me for what was ahead, God’s recovery plan for my soul was being revealed.

We finally reached the Falls and it was amazing! The beauty was so refreshing as we listened to thousands upon thousands of gallons of water pouring down and splashing over the rocks and water. The Falls became a picture of God’s recovery plan for me. After months of ministering to the sick, bereaved, COVID patients, and burned-out medical staff, the Spirit of God was restoring my own soul.

The key to taking a real rest is slowing down and learning the unforced rhythms of grace in Jesus Christ. He Himself is our rest. Christ will show you how to take a real rest and recover your life. Slow down, simplify your plans, keep company with Christ and learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

Prayer

Father God, I am tired and worn out. Show me how to take a real rest and recover my life. Help me to slow down and simplify my plans, so that I have time to hear you speak and to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. In Jesus name, Amen.