Regroup - for People Who Help Othersনমুনা

Devotional:

Jesus Schedules Time to Recover

Yesterday’s reading highlighted one of the productive seasons in Jesus’ ministry. He taught, healed, and cast out demons. Jesus was demonstrating his fulfillment of the prophecy by bringing restoration and hope.

It is what Jesus does in the aftermath of this productive ministry season that begs attention. He rests. Jesus seeks a solitary place.

You may identify with this need too. What do you desire to do after a productive season, week, or day of ministry? Do you rest? Do you zone out and numb? Do you gather with friends?

Jesus models the importance of work to rest balance. He normalizes self care. If Jesus needed to recover after ministry work, might you also?

Many people who help others can feel a burden to help the whole world. Perhaps you sense a similar feeling and feel like you are not doing enough. But the reality is that God placed limitations on you when he put you inside a physical body. You cannot run without food or without sleep. You cannot talk to every person on earth at the same time. In order to do good ministry - you need to recognize and embrace your finite nature. God is just as honored when you take the day off for your own “sabbath” and spend time with him as he is when you are working hard in your ministry.

Today’s Challenge:

Reflect on what you need to recharge or reboot and get to healthy functioning. Be honest with yourself - it will only help. Take some moments to feel and be present with your body. Are you tired? Are you restless? Are you burning out? Perhaps your insights reflect some spots where you need to readjust. Is your work/rest life balanced? Are you really resting when you are “off”?

Reflect on times you’ve rested well, what did you do (or not do)? Journal a few ways you can recover well after your next work week. 

A common proverb may add some guidance: “if you work with your mind, you rest with your hands. If you work with your hands, you rest with your mind.” 

This might look like after a week of listening to others, you rest by baking, gardening, or building. It might look like after a week of actively engaging in ministry, you rest by reading a book and taking a nap.