Feed Your Body With Rest

by Christine Vinson, from 365 Devotions for Finding Rest

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:19

When you look over the course of your day, are there times for rest? Are there moments you can catch your breath, sit down, and reflect? Or are you going, going, and going until you drop into bed an hour later than you’d hoped?

Dear friend, you need to rest every day.

It might seem productive to rush around nonstop, but your body, mind, and soul were not created to function that way. Daily rest is needed, just like daily bread. If you skip eating, your body ends up depleted. In the same way, skipping rest leaves your body weak and deeply weary.

Take time each day to rest, incorporating it into your daily routine. Follow the example of Jesus, who made an effort to rest even when thousands of people were looking to Him to be fed. Yes, He fed them with loaves and fishes, but then He also fed Himself with solitude, prayer, and rest (Matthew 14:23).

Jesus, help me follow Your example of taking time to rest.

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Teaching the Habit of Rest

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. — Proverbs 22:6

Children learn through seeing. They are watching those closest to them: their parents, siblings, friends, and teachers. And like little sponges, they soak up everything you say and do — whether it’s beneficial or not. If you want your children to grow up less stressed, less harried, and not burned out, it’s important for you to model a habit of rest.

Even if you don’t have children, you can be an excellent example to nieces or nephews, students, neighbors, and friends. A habit of rest needs to be purposeful. That means you are diligent in your efforts to find rest. It’s not something you can keep putting off; otherwise, neglecting rest will become your habit. Set a goal of resting daily or weekly, and begin this life-giving habit.

Model a restful life to those around you, and they will in turn be drawn to a life lived with purposeful rest.

Lord, help me adopt a habit of rest and inspire others to live a more restful life.

Do you live a restful life? Would others describe you as a rested person, a person who regularly takes time to rest and refuel? Today, let’s follow Jesus’ example and embrace a lifestyle of regular rest!