Monday, January 12, 2015

Rest for the Weary


No doubt we've all heard the phrase, "No rest for the weary!" And sometimes it does feel true. However, God's Word completely disagrees with that statement and that is what I'm going to focus on this coming year.

Rest

Friends, I feel weary. More than anything that one good night of sleep will fix. More than an evening out or some quiet time - this is a deep weariness. And, you know what? I don't think I'm alone. Because I hear myself saying I'm weary and I hear you agreeing and sharing your weariness with me.

We are weary sisters, aren't we?

I was laying in bed one night recently pondering this and a thought came to mind that maybe, just maybe, God wants us to feel this weariness. It comes from knowing we cannot do this life on our own, it creates a desire for our future home, it shows us our dependence on and desperation for Him. And, oh those are good things.

I tend to think of weary as defeated. Negative. As something to get rid of. Perhaps as my wise friend Rebecca suggests - hard situations or seasons in life are not something to fix but the process of living in that season has its own value.

I don't really know where I'm headed with this - just sort of "thinking out loud" and writing what is going on in my head right now. I just know this: I am weary and God has the answer and is extending it to our weary hearts, souls, minds, bodies.

In November I wrote the following and these words still ring true today - 

As November draws to a close, it finds me tired. {Yes, a month ago!} Not just a little yawn here and there but bone weary, soul weary.

For two or three months, I have been thinking about the word rest. I really sort of wanted to keep slow as my word again for next year as that may be my lifetime word and I need it desperately still and have soooo much to learn and implement about slowing. Yet I sense that God's word for me for next year is indeed rest.

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." ~ Matthew 11:28-30


I have found comfort and conviction in this passage many times. And many times it has seemed these verses were written for me. But right now they are so real to me, so needed, like a life-line. This is where I am and what I need and want. Yes, Lord I will come to You and I so want to learn from You.

Teach me to rest, I am an eager student.

Join me as we seek His rest this year. Comments are open today, I would love to hear if this resonates with you today.

14 comments:

Lisa said...

Rest is a word we are all in need of these days. God speaks through your words today to give me comfort. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts in 2015.

Shelby said...

Yes, I do feel weary for some many circumstances that are out of my control. Also I find if my home feels to cluttered that it is hard for me to rest. My days feel monotonous. Trying to purpose gratitude.

Anonymous said...

Though I, too, relate to your weariness (oh how I do!)....my word for this year is "commit". Committing and doing all things...everything I do...as unto The Lord. Especially beginning and ENDING every day in His word. That is my rest, sister. Last year...pause....pause to praise him continually throughout every day, no matter what. Rest....what wonderful word to choose and focus on!

Leanne said...

Oh, sweet Monica...this is EXACTLY where my heart is... I'm "soul weary"... my heart and my feelings feel fragile... It's an interesting tidbit about me that I DO NOT rest well if things are "cluttered" and I have allowed too much clutter in my life these last several years... the things that God gives me to deal with are one thing...but the additional stuff I add on-- that's what is making me so weary...
I am going to start clearing the clutter of my life-- perfectionism, over-commitment, trying to raise young men in my own strength, and false relationships....
Let's all find REST together!!
one day, I want to meet you in person, so I can thank you for all the encouragement your life has given me these last several years!
hugs and rest for you, friend!!!!

Chris said...

This is so beautiful and much needed.

Wendi said...

I had tears in my eyes as I was reading this. I can relate. I seem to go in seasons where others are more weary. Your friends thoughts are something I will have to ponder. It certainly would change my perspective.

My word for the year is change. I am trying to change the things that aren't bringing me joy and cause me stress and weariness.

I love how the verse you used had both the words weary and rest in it. I think those words together are wonderful! I see how slow could certainly be weaved together with rest to ease your heart.Praying for you, my friend.

Unknown said...

"Bone weary, soul weary", accurate description of me. I have been traveling through a particularly rough season in life and I am weary right through and through. Thank you for sharing God's words, they have comforted.

angie said...

This resoates with me. I feel both a physical and emotional weariness. Like once I sit down in the evening, there is nothing that will cause me to get up! This means that I rarely sit down before going to bed, and I can't stay awake when I sit down to enjoy rest. (Last night I barely made it through the first 15 minutes of Downton Abbey, even though I looked forward to it all weekend.) My kids make fun of my inabilbity to stay awake, and I remember doing the same with my mom. Yet, I know God desires more for me than this.
When you are riding on a train and it goes through a dark tunnel, you don't rip up your ticket and jump off of the train. You sit tight and trust the engineer.
~Corrie Ten Boom (paraphrased)

Julian said...

Yes. I can so relate. Blessed rest. Blessed dependence, trust, and reliance on Him who is our everything. christina

*carrie* said...

Yes. You know.

A Holy Privilege said...

Monica, I so appreciate your vulnerability and desire to seek Life and Truth in these seasons of struggle and heaviness. My prayer for you this month has been "steadfast, let her rest in it" You are a j o y!

kim F said...

I to feel the same way. So weary, I lost my Dad in October, he was also my pastor. The only pastor I have ever known. He pastored for 46 years. My husband is filling in at church until the Lord sends a new pastor. Which all this has changed my life. Even though it is the lord's work I feel so weary and such a burden. It was so good to be reminded the lord wants me to rest in him. thanks for the encouraging words. Will be praying we seek the Lord during these times in our lives.

Terri S said...

Monica, I love your posts. I don't comment often, as you know, but follow you diligently. This year, my One Word will be REST as well. God is speaking into my heart and asking me to REST in Him. I look forward to seeing God work in our lives this year. It was a blessing to see your SLOW year. May God provide you with much REST in HIM.

Kelli said...

Just what I needed to hear... I too feel so weary and am having a hard time letting it go.
Thank you once again for inspiring me this morning. I look forward to my morning read....