Welcome, Marina Bromley

Devotional writer, Marina Bromley returns this week. Are you ever exhausted from worry and concern? Then this devotional is for you.

Rest

Marina Bromley, Marina’s Kitchen Table

I lay awake in the darkness of my room, thoroughly exhausted. Moments ago I was falling asleep on the couch. I’m obviously tired and capable of sleep. The distraction of the tv show was enough to allow me to dis-engage from the burdensome thoughts of our most current move, and the frustrations of house-hunting from 500 miles away. Our fifth move in as many years, and I’m weary.

I recount the phone conversation from earlier, as my husband explained why the house he looked at wouldn’t work. Another house in disrepair, the photos online not representing the current status of the home.

The weight lays heavy on my chest and my mind, and I can’t seem to shake it. How can I be so worn out, so exhausted, and not fall asleep?

Out of nowhere, my heart is tuned to a song I learned years ago…

“Come unto me, all who are weary and heavy laden… And I will give you rest…”

Could it really be so simple?

Too often we find ourselves dragging – emotionally and physically – even in seasons of fullness and blessing. A good friend once told me that stress doesn’t have to come from bad circumstances, it can come from good things too! Anything that takes out of us more than we’re able to put back into us will leave us empty and in need of rest.

A few years ago I read Holley Gerth’s book “You’re Already Amazing.” In Chapter 10, entitled “Is It Okay to Take Care of Myself?” she relates our well-being to an energy bank account. She gives explanations and great ideas of things we can do to refill our energy accounts, whether it’s emotional, mental, social, physical, or spiritual.

Time in prayer, a nap, or just looking out the window and watching the rain can help restore our emotional bank account. Even doing something physical can help us feel a certain peace that will substitute for a “restful” activity.

Don’t you love the way you feel as you work in the garden, go for a walk, or a casual bike ride? We are all different, but I think we can experience that peace when we are alone washing dishes by hand, or hanging clothes on the line. Our Grandmothers relied on it to bring balance to their life and rest to their soul, but we’ve gotten too busy with life’s comforts to take time to be alone… with Him.

It is the spiritual discipline of coming to God in song and prayer, which brings rest – and restoration – to our body, mind, and spirit. In a world where we are under attack spiritually, weighed down emotionally, and physically pulled in every direction, we need to make it a priority to take time alone with God daily.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

©2018 Marina Bromley, used with permission.