Holiday Rhythms Sample

Power in Rest

One definition of rest is to be free from anxiety or disturbance, but we all know that’s easier said than done — especially during the holidays! Life happens, plans come up, lists are made, and well... Time gets away from you. At least it feels that way. 

From a physical standpoint alone, if you do not rest, you will burn out. Any athlete will tell you: Rest periods are important. Why? Because not only is that when you build back your muscles, it’s when your muscles come back stronger. 

Corrie Ten Boom once said, “If the devil cannot make us bad, he will make us busy.” And while the devil can’t “make” us do anything, he will try and distract us with things to do. 

What if you started the new year stronger because of how you rested at the end of this one? What habits can you start practicing now? What boundaries do you need to put in place?

Don’t know where to start? Here are a few suggestions:

• Spend half an hour just journaling (no goals, just write).
• No social media between 8:00PM and the time you wake up the next day (maybe buy an alarm clock and leave your phone in the kitchen while you sleep).
• Take five minutes a day to focus on your breathing.
• Eat a meal without any distractions (no phone, social media, tv, etc.).
• Go for a long walk.

Rest is important. Not just for your physical health, but for your spiritual health. God didn’t design us to constantly be on the move. We were made in His image, and like we saw in Day One, God rested. 

Slow down this Christmas so you can see God move. Don’t just live your life — look at your life. Who are you becoming? What is God teaching you? What do you want to do differently in the new year? 

As you go through the holidays, challenge yourself to really rest and make time and space for God to speak. Write down what you hear and bring it with you into the new year. Here’s wishing you a wonderful and restful Christmas!