Guilt-Free Rest
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Psalm 62:5
ME: Why am I so tired all the time? I just never seem to get enough rest.
JESUS: You are so focused on your goals that you push yourself too hard and neglect the need for rest. I usually give you a hint that it’s time to relax but you tend to ignore Me.
ME: But when I don’t get to all the things on my daily To-Do list, I feel guilty and well, somehow, I feel like I didn’t accomplish anything.
JESUS: What if you gave your To-Do list to someone else and they did not finish your daily assigned duties. How would you react?
ME: I don’t know. I probably would show mercy because some of the things cannot really be completed in a single day.
JESUS: Yes, My child, you are a relentless, hard task-master on yourself.
ME: I don’t mean to be! I want to learn to accept myself as much when I’m relaxing as when I am achieving. Will You teach me how to rest deeply in the truth that I’m Your beloved child and I am saved by grace through my faith in You?
JESUS: Your head already knows this, but your heart is still skeptical.
ME: But I want this to be my ultimate—and foundational—identity. Maybe instead of striving and straining, I need to stay mindful of who I really am.
JESUS: Please do not put that on your To-Do list. I say that with great love because I know that you will try to do more and more to please Me. That is not what I want from you. I want your trust—your complete trust—which does not require any action on your part.
ME: I am not sure I know how to do that! I’m almost 70 and I have not figured it out yet. I need help!
JESUS: Try to flip your rest (in Me) and work/time around. Let me also remind you that you are not exactly a spring chicken any more.
ME: Ummm, thanks, I guess! I do know that when I have a refreshed mind, I am able to think more clearly…
JESUS: …and a restored soul helps you to be more loving with other people.
ME: Please give me the desire to spend more time relaxing in Your Presence—enjoying the fresh green pastures and still, restful waters You provide.
JESUS: I can do that but you must write much shorter and doable To-Do lists. How about that?
ME: Deal!
Mo Haner with Sarah Young
Photograph: Michael Johnston