Holy Hustle: Embrace A Work-Hard, Rest-Well LifeChikamu

Rest is hard for me because my natural inclination is to hustle and strive. I've lived long enough with my flaws to understand that, buried deep inside, I believe if I'm not working, I'm failing. And if I'm failing, I'm worthless. But in the same way I believe we can serve God in our work, I believe we honor Him when we rest.

We need to slow down, spend time in the Word, and be quiet enough to hear God's voice so we are better equipped to do the work He’s calling us to do. When I try to go 24/7 without a break, not only do I burn out, neglect my family, and serve as a poor steward of my health, but I start to make hurried decisions based on my agenda and dreams instead of listening to God's quiet guidance.

Charles Swindoll wrote, “God never asked us to meet life's pressures and demands on our own terms or by relying upon our own strength. Nor did He demand that we win His favor by assembling an impressive portfolio of good deeds. Instead, He invites us to enter His rest.”

God worked and called it good, and He rested and called it holy.

We are invited to join Him in that rest, because in those moments we can lay down our burdens, abide with Him, and do what He created us to do to refresh our souls for the coming days.

Rest, for me, used to look like sitting on the sofa and mindlessly snacking while watching television. I thought I deserved that break, that doing “nothing” was how I was supposed to relax. But I often felt more exhausted, gross from all the sugar I’d consumed, and completely unmotivated to do anything at all. 

May I bust a myth for you? Rest looks different for everyone. I have friends who are energized by a long morning run where they can be alone with their thoughts, prayers, and the pavement. I have other friends who are rejuvenated by gathering people in their home for good food and great conversation. And you might find you are at your best rest when you’re reading a book, creating art, playing music, or gardening.

God has created us with such care that there should be no surprise our rest can be as unique as our work.

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If you enjoyed these devotions adapted from Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life by Crystal Stine, and would like to discover more about pursuing God's purpose for your life, visit https://amzn.to/2I3ow1d.