The World Race has been exhausting. 3 months in, and I find myself increasingly tired from the daily responsibilities and challenges that come from being on the Race (and living in Africa). Physical exhaustion can easily lead to mental exhaustion, which can lead to even further exhaustion in one’s spiritual life.
Here’s the thing, this type of weariness isn’t reserved solely for Racers or missionaries around the globe. Weariness in life is becoming an increasingly common issue in modern society. We strive to work our way up the ladder of success, rarely taking breaks. With any free-time we have, we try to have an exciting social life and a healthy group of friends.
Life, in itself, is exhausting.
Being on the Race has caused me to realize how weary I was before leaving the U.S. Whether in school or jobs, I overworked myself with the goal of being successful in everything I did. I packed the rest of my schedule with extracurricular’s and social gatherings. I never truly had time for myself.
Now here’s the thing. I’m not criticizing a busy life nor am I downplaying the importance of working hard in everything you do.
Rather, the Race has revealed to me that in the midst of one’s busy life, finding rest is truly important.
But not merely physical rest.
One must find rest in the Holy Spirit for true restoration.
I would continually work my mind and body, but rarely did I spend time finding rest in Christ. Rarely did I make room for quiet time with the Lord. No wonder my mind was consistently moving at a million miles an hour and I always felt weary.
Do you want true peace and rest in your life? Look no further than Jesus Christ.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” -Isaiah 26:3.
There’s a peace that only the Prince of Peace Himself can bring. There’s complete and total rest that only can be found in Christ. There’s true restoration that only the Holy Spirit Himself can bring.
I have a newfound energy and joy because of my daily time of finding rest in my time with the Lord.
The thing is, you don’t need to come to Africa to find that peace and rest.
The Lord is there with you, too.
Spend time with your Father in the midst of your busy schedule. He’ll meet you where you are, and slowly restore you.
Sometimes to do more in life, you need to rest a second.
JM
