GRIND. Definition: hustle, good work ethic, gettin’ to the money. Used in a sentence, “The grind don’t stop.” Sounds super weird because I never use the word grind, but just roll with it. Lol.
Off the top of my head, when I think of the subject of rest, this scripture comes to mind.
Genesis 2: 2-3 “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”
Everyone knows that one right? God did all of these extravagant things in six days. Then on the seventh day, He was big chillin’, admiring His work. That’s so live. As a mere mortal, I’m not that live.
Lol. In my mind, it’s like, “Of course you can chill God. You don’t have bills.”
A big part of the ministry component of my blog is transparency, especially while I’m going through said struggle. As I write this, exhausted and dragging, I’m preaching to myself. I’m so tired, but I’m also so busy. Stuff has to get done, and I have to do it. Why do I always feel so overwhelmed? My tasks are increasing but my capacity is not. The reality is, my cup may be empty, as it relates to rest. I have a full time job. I’m on the executive board for bible study. The Ki Component is obviously up and running. I tutor a kindergartener on the side. I just landed a role in a web series, and filming starts soon. I have a dog, so basically a daughter. I try to make sure I connect or visit with family and friends as much as possible. I support my loved ones in their numerous endeavors. As I type this, I’m honestly about to scream.
However, in the midst of the chaos, I know what the issue is.
I’m not the person that can quote scriptures off the dome, but I do enjoy the research component that comes with typing these posts I get to expose myself to bible stories/verses that I never even would’ve come across. THOSE are the verses that usually get me all the way together. This verse was that for me.
Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
These are the words that Jesus literally said to His disciples. The value of any rest should never be underestimated and it should always be the after-effect of labor. Rest is extremely necessary to recharge the mind and heart, let alone the body. If we don’t get enough rest, the next day is just… off. Then, until we allow ourselves to recharge, our days will continue to be off. Our work will always lack. Fruitful labor is the result of good rest. And get this: our physical rest is always a representation of spiritual rest, and failure to rest will have a direct effect on your worship. THAT is when it becomes absolutely unacceptable to God. How can we allow our many commitments to exhaust us to the point where we don’t even have enough energy to praise God properly?
Have you ever stepped on your own toes? I have. Just now. WHEW.
I’m challenging myself, literally every day, to not be tired to the point of giving God a lackluster praise. I have to stop overcommitting or overextending myself and then trying to give Him the scraps. He deserves better than that.
Rest is recovery. Rest is revival. Rest is renewal. Don’t miss your blessing because you’re dozing off from exhaustion. Allow yourself to rest, in order to give God your best praise and everything else will flow from that.