I've come to realize that I'm not very good at resting.
Spring Break may be here in all of its peace-giving glory, but I still have a list ready to go of tasks that I'd like to accomplish, projects I'd like to start, and goals I'd like to reach. In the pursuit of much, I find myself unable to keep up with my high standards. And if I'm honest, I find myself too often absorbed in feelings of anxiety, my mind racing with thoughts of guilt.
Lord, teach me to rest.
"The Lord will fight for you;
you need only to be still."
~ Exodus 14:14
This week, I pray that I would step away from the mental battle and pick up the Word instead. I forget how easy it is to believe, how simple it can be to trust. And we were meant to live FREE, even if that feels unnatural sometimes.
Jesus, carry me. Help me to have a child's faith. I thirst for a relationship with You that is real, just Father and child sharing life together.
+ Happy Spring Break, y'all! Is anyone else on vacation this week?
P.S. I am about to embark on a massive blog-reading session. WOOT WOOT
P.S.S. I am actually taking my own blog photos now #whatup.
I need to learn this too. I pause, but my mind is still forming to-do lists, and adding up the hours left in the day. Sometimes I rest physically, but not spiritually.. Our society seems to be purposely designed to make that as hard as possible. I hope you find that rest this week though, and enjoy your spring break!
ReplyDeleteP.s I take it that's your bedroom? It looks so welcoming and home-y. Fairy lights and musical instruments are always a good thing.
Ooh, I feel you with the spiritual rest part - I can relax and recline all day but if my spirit is not at rest, it doesn't do me any good. Thank you for all your well wishes! I really appreciate it! :) <3
DeleteAnd yes, this is my bedroom! :) You're so sweet! I've tried to make it as dreamy as possible.
I can relate to the never-ending lists that I find myself making constantly. As soon as I scribble one thing off, I add on what feels like two more tasks.
ReplyDeleteA good piece of advice is to step-back now and again and do something for yourself- something that you love. Time will pass, try your best to pass it doing something you enjoy!You owe that to yourself. Try picture the importance of each task in the greater scheme of things. You've stressed before, and you always make it through!
You got this!
Steph
I do the same thing! I like to be productive but sometimes I get quite strict with myself and just need to take a breather!
DeleteThanks for your awesome advice! Taking small breaks or pausing to listen to an amazing song or read a great passage of Scripture can be so refreshing. Thanks for all your encouragement! :D
First of all, EXODUS 14:14 IS FAB. And I'm glad that the Lord has been nudging you towards resting instead of that To-Do list. I've also discovered that when I am feeling the pressure of my To-Do list, I just need to read God's Word and I immediately feel full of peace and energized. GOD IS SO GOOD to give us His perfect peace. Praying is another thing that always centers me and reminds me of what actually matters (growing closer with God and promoting the happiness of others). And worship music always calms me, too (especially any Hillsong United).
ReplyDeleteAfter writing out those things, I just realized that I should probs have a Bible study today (I haven't had one yet). Gtg. XD
I know, right? It is one of the best verses. I have to constantly remind myself that God desires peace for me. I don't always have to be rushing, externally or internally. I can know peace. Hillsong United is pretty rad! And I need to take some time to spend with God today, too. Thank you for commenting! :) <3
DeleteYooo. Thank you for this. I've been struggling with the same thing recently. I've got to practice peace, rest, and taking God at His Word.
ReplyDeleteHaving personal worship def helps. I love listening to music and dwelling on a Bible verse by creating an image of it, either by hand or digitally. Somehow letting my creative side interact with the verse helps seal it into my brain.
Hope we all succeed in rest and growing closer to Jesus! :)
No problem! It's something I'm still learning. I love how you put that - "taking God at His Word." That's exactly what I am trying to put into practice right now. Simply believing and trusting that His Word is true.
DeleteI love the idea of creating an image of a verse! That is so beautiful. I agree that when we allow our creative talents seep into our spiritual sides, we are more engaged.
Praying that He would keep you encouraged and strong in His peace! :) Thanks so much for commenting!
This was so encouraging and lovely, Erin! Ohh and btw, thank you so much for the comment you left on my blog! I just discovered yours and its beautiful! Followed! Can't wait to read more from you! <3<3<3<3
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you! I appreciate that so much! <3 :) Have a great day! :D
DeleteLove your bedroom!
ReplyDeleteHailey
haileyhudson.wordpress.com
Thank you so much! :) <3
DeleteI RELATE WITH THIS SO HARD OH MY GOSH. I've been so looking forward to the rest that Spring Break is supposed to bring but now that it's here it's so hard for me not to be working my butt of trying to catch up on stuff or get ahead or finish assignments and projects due at the end of the semester. gahh. I needed this. THANK YOU <3
ReplyDeleteYou are the bomb! I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I'm seriously contemplating working ahead, too. It's tough balancing it all. But spiritual rest is something I'm seeking to attain even if the hustle and bustle of life never truly slows down. Thanks for commenting! I hope you have a rad Spring Break! :)
DeleteIm honestly so bad at resting. I always have to be doing things. lately its been because Im scared if I let my brain rest, it will finally be able to think and then I wont be able to stop.
ReplyDeletebut I need to learn to rest.
Psalm 46:10 is one of my favorite verses. it says "Be still and know that I am God."
be still.
thank you for the reminder <3
Wow, I totally relate to that! The more down time I have, the more I fall into negative patterns of thinking. This whole break I've had a cold and have been actually forced to rest and not do as much as I normally would. It's odd to think that rest does not come naturally, but it is so often what we need.
DeleteI LOVE that verse! And I needed to hear it today. Thank you for sharing! :)
"just Father and child sharing life together."
ReplyDeleteI NEEDED THIS POST TODAY. Like so bad. :') Thank you. <3
ALSO UR ROOM IS BEAUTIFUL
rock on,
abbiee
Aw, I'm so glad it encouraged you! And thanks, dude. :) I appreciate it <3
DeleteWhat a lovely post! Wish I'd found it when I was on spring break 😌 XD I'm so glad I found your blog and beautiful words glorifying Him. You're blog is gorgeous and you can bet I'll be back for more!
ReplyDeletexx
Steph
strictlystephanie.blogspot.com
Hi, Steph! Thank you so much for your kind words! That means a lot. :) <3 Thanks for commenting!
DeleteThis is such a convicting post wow XD I'm the exact same way! Praying that you get some much needed rest <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Grace Anne! :) <3 You're the best!
DeleteI hope this is a restful week for you! I just started a new job haha. XD But that's a big relief to some of my financial anxieties, though I'm still paranoid about learning everything and not messing up.
ReplyDeletestoritorigrace.blogspot.com
Thank you! I pray that you would have the best time learning and growing at your new job. :)
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