24/7 Training TimeIhe Atụ

Rest In His Presence

By: Brett Campbell

READY

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.”—Colossians 3:23

SET

During my career as an athlete, there were many times I experienced legitimate burnout. I think back to my junior year of high school when I wanted to walk away from basketball. I was emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. What God gave me as a gift was the very thing that was draining me and pushing me into a place of burnout. If God gave me a passion and talent for basketball, then why was I feeling that way?

The first time I heard the phrase “A good thing becomes a bad thing when it becomes the ultimate thing,” it transformed my perspective of sports. I fully believe that sports are a gift from God. He blesses athletes with incredible talent and calls us to work hard.

The opportunity to compete is a gift. Sports are a good thing. Yet, it is critical to acknowledge the potential for sports to become the ultimate thing. When this happens, the good gift from God becomes a bad thing and will lead to emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion. We will burn out because sports are not meant to be the first priority in our lives.

Jesus is the only one deserving of holding the ultimate place in our lives. He alone can fill our hearts, and through Him, we experience eternal life with God.

In the Gospels, we see Jesus withdraw into solitary places to spend intentional time praying. We must follow His example and seek rest in God to take hold of the refueling He offers. True fullness comes with consistent and intentional time spent in God’s Word, finding rest in His presence. He alone can give the true rest we desperately need.

I pray that you know that God loves you and desires a personal relationship with you. If you are burnt out and wondering where you can turn, Jesus is waiting for you. God’s gift of grace is available to you through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. When you say yes to Jesus and commit to following Him as the Lord of your life, you are declaring that He is ultimate in your life!

GO

1. Do you have restful rhythms for your life? If not, what is keeping you from them?

2. How will you divert your attention from the busyness and pressures of the world? Can you spend thirty minutes to one hour of intentional time re-centering your mind on God?

3. Plan and implement your weekly withdrawal to spend time resting in the Lord.

WORKOUT

• Psalm 4:8
• Jeremiah 31:25
• James 1:17

OVERTIME

Father, I don’t want to live my days exhausted. You are my true source of rest and replenishment. Will You help me make time to spend with You each day and find a rhythm that will help me operate to the best of my ability? Thank You that You are faithful to give me what I need. In Jesus’ name, amen.