Exodus 20:8-11 says,
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work…For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. (ESV, Empahsis added)
Though we are not under the letter of the law (in other words, all the specific commands) of the Older Testament, we are still to obey the heart of the law. That has never changed. Why? Because our basic physical, emotional, and spiritual needs didn’t change when we believed in Jesus. Like we give our children instructions for their good even when they don’t understand why, God gives us commandments for our good.
The evidence of the importance of rest in our lives makes it pretty clear. Just consider the benefits of being well rested.
When we are rested, we…
- Are more productive, patient, and calm.
- Handle stress better.
- Think more clearly and rationally.
- Feel more at peace.
- Have the energy to do all the things God calls us to do.
HOW TO INCORPORATE REST INTO YOUR LIFE
You may be thinking, “Rest sounds great, but it isn’t possible in my life.” Please know, though, our loving Father created rest for us. It is for our good, and because of that, He commanded us to do it. And if he commands something, he provides the way. Sometimes, though we may have to be a bit creative.
1. BE THANKFUL.
Exhaustion isn’t always caused by a lack of sleep. Trials, pain, and even busyness can leave us feeling emotionally and spiritually drained as well. Thankfulness takes the focus off of what is wrong in our lives and reminds us of our blessings. Though we may still be physically tired, thankfulness renews and refreshes our hearts and minds.
2. TRUST THAT GOD WILL PROVIDE WHAT YOU NEED.
After the church at Philippi sent gifts to care for Paul’s needs, Paul thanks them and reminds them, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV) Yes, Paul is probably speaking specifically of financial needs. But the principle remains the same. God provides for our needs.
As a mom you are constantly providing for the needs of others. Your Father does the same for you—He provides. Consider 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” (ESV) Will you choose to believe this?
3. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET.
Cooking meals, doing laundry, cleaning and organizing are all acts of worship when done in service to God and our family. Each task a work of love. When we see the importance in the mundane it doesn’t feel as exhausting.
So turn on some praise music. Pray as you work. Meditate on Scripture.
When we do these things, we “…present [our] bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is [our] spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1, ESV) Instead of being conformed to this world—a world that says serving your family is a waste of your time and talents—you can be transformed by renewing your mind in the midst of your daily tasks (see Romans 12:2).
4. BE OK WITH THE LESS THAN PERFECT.
I recently read a question from a new homeschooler to some veteran ones on a Facebook group. She asked, “How did you do it all well? The cooking and cleaning, spending time with your husband, and teaching your children?” My simple answer—I didn’t. Not all of it, at the same time, anyway.
Maybe moms should be trained in the art of juggling, because that is what life really is about. I once heard it described like this: You have to pay attention to the ball that is in the air at that particular time—giving it your full attention. And perhaps that is the key. Being fully where you are in that particular moment in time.
Because of this we have to be alright with imperfection. Sometimes the kids will eat cereal for supper (or even that unnaturally fluorescent orange mac & cheese we all secretly love). Other times the house will be messy or the laundry will sit on the couch instead of neatly folded and stored away. But sometimes we must choose the best—like building relationship with our children—over the things that can wait. The house will still be messy tomorrow, and someday you may kind of miss the mess.
5. GET TO BED AT A DECENT TIME.
I know sometimes you just want some time to relax after the kids go to bed. But be careful that “just a little” downtime doesn’t turn into such a late night that you start your next day deprived of much needed sleep. Honestly, too often I didn’t do a very good job of that. Then I would be tired and we would get a later start than we needed to leaving me feeling behind the rest of the day.
If you want to get enough rest, you have to make it a priority. Establishing an evening routine can help.
6. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE.
Choose the best over the good. Meaning your best, not someone else’s. Prayerfully consider service, educational, and ministry opportunities before saying yes. Remember that every time you say yes to one thing, you are saying no to another. Sometimes that other is rest.
You have to know yourself and your children—to understand your limits and your preferences. Does being around other people energize you? Or do you need time alone? If you haven’t ever taken a personality tests, you can take this one for free at 16Personalities.
Meals don’t have to be elaborate to be healthy and good. Your kids don’t have to be involved in every activity offered. You don’t have to do everything you are asked to do. And your house doesn’t have to look like a magazine photo shoot.
You get to choose.
7. TAKE A PERSONAL RETREAT.
Whether it is for a day or, hopefully a weekend, try to get away at least once a year for a personal retreat. Give yourself time to be refreshed and renewed. Leave the TV off and stay away from Social Media so you can truly rest.
During the time you may want to do one or more of the following:
- Pray, meditate on Scripture, and study His word.
- Set goals with actionable steps to achieve them—Spiritual, personal, educational, and relational goals.
- Evaluate: How can I incorporate more things into my life that bring me joy? How can I nurture an atmosphere of rest and joy in our home?
- What do I want my kids to learn apart from academics? Does the enviroment of our home foster or hinder these things?
- Do we have enough margin in our lives, or are constantly living at the edge? Do we have time as a family to enjoy one another and build relationships or are we constantly on the go?
8. ASK FOR HELP.
If you don’t communicate your needs, how can anyone help you? Talk to your husband, support system, family, or close friends. Swap babysitting if you can’t afford a sitter. Hire someone to help with cleaning or whatever else you need if that is an option. But don’t feel like a failure because you need some help! We were made to live in community. So lean into it.
And don’t neglect going to the One who gives true rest. Make spending time with God a priority—let Him be the very air you breathe. Abide in Him. Connect with Him. Jesus says,
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV)
DEAR MAMA, YOU NEED TO REST.
Yes, being a mom can be exhausting at times. And that is a part of life. But there is a difference between falling into bed at night because you were busy doing what God has called you to do and living in a state of overwhelming tiredness because you didn’t obey Him. Because you chose to “do-life” your way. You can find rest even when you are physically tired.
It is possible.
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This article originally appeared at cultivatemyheart.com.
