Prioritizing Rest Before It’s Forced

It Starts with a Sneeze

“Make Rest a Priority” is a phrase that I have to remind myself of all the time. If I’m not intentional about it, I forget then I pay for it. It usually starts with a sneeze. Then, a cough or even just a tickle in the back of my throat.

That’s when paranoia steps in. I know I am about to get sick. Life is about to get interrupted by something I cannot even see. And then regret hits. I realize that I’ve picked up a bug, and my lack of rest and sleep, trading self-care for more work, has crashed my immune system.

When We Ignore Our Needs

For the sake of work, I’ve had those moments where I’ve simply skipped taking care of myself. Long days and late nights kept me from giving my body the rest it has been crying out for. Then my body is going to make me rest whether I want to or not.

Psalm 127 helps me reflect on this desire to overwork and under-rest. Specifically, the first two verses:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil, for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:1–2 (ESV)

God Designed Us to Make Rest a Priority

There is a reason God gave us a day of rest. If I am not getting time to eat well, exercise, or sleep, I am probably neglecting my spiritual needs too. That is when I end up building my house in vain.

Sometimes the way God gets my attention is by letting an illness knock me down. In that place of weakness, I have no choice but to rest and refocus on Him.

Start By Opening Your Calendar

After reading through Psalm 127, open that calendar app on your phone or laptop with a prayerful heart. Meditate on how you’re living. Look through the busyness of your schedule and the lack of open blocks to rest, relax, and recreate. Then ask yourself a few key questions:

• How am I feeling?
• Am I sleeping well?
• Will I have a day off this week?
• Do I have a day to focus on God?
• Do I have a day for my family?

The biggest question is, “Do I have a scheduled day of rest to focus on Jesus, my family, and my health?” If not, what is stopping you?

Let God Help You Make Rest a Priority

As you continue in prayer, try to do it with your calendar still open. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your schedule differently. Ask Him to remove unnecessary tasks and responsibilities, so that you can obey His invitation and make rest a priority.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How are you feeling right now?
• How well have you been sleeping?
• When is the last time you had a true day of rest?