We have bought into a culture that demands an instant fix and that convinces us that our way is the best way! Over time, this becomes an automatic response, like breathing, and we blindly strive to satisfy this intense, cultural lie. This striving robbed me of my ability to rest and enjoy life’s moments, and for much of my life, I struggled with this. No matter what I did or where I went, something would entangle me and pull me into restlessness. I would later learn through months of counseling that I was stuck in a pattern of trying to fix the relationship between my mom and my dad, a kid still believing that somehow I could still fix it. This pattern became so embedded in my psyche that I convinced myself that if I couldn’t fix their relationship, it somehow made me a failure. God will never give up on us because He loves us—we are the ones who give up on Him! I’m glad I didn’t give up.

Days faded in and out as God continued pursuing me, trying to get my attention, but I didn’t want to listen, and I decided to handle things myself for a bit. I spent the days ahead striving on my own, but enough time and circumstances went by, eroding my stubbornness along the way that I was ready to listen again. I was still learning to trust Him.

So how does one enter into rest?

Here is the first of three narratives shared from ‘When We Strive God Waits, When We Rest God Acts’ by Jack Frost.

Take ownership of your need for rest and stop blaming God, circumstances, or people. If rest is difficult for you, somehow you are still trying to perform or control something.

Without rest you eventually become worn out spiritually, emotionally, and physically. You may begin to isolate yourself and start denying your physical and emotional needs. You may find yourself too busy to spend time with family, friends, or hobbies. You may start becoming more critical and judgmental of others as you work harder to prove to yourself through your work, spiritual disciplines, or ‘got it all together’ image that you have value or self-worth.

The inner emptiness increases your restlessness and in time may lead to depression. Eventually you are left in a state of agitation or apathy where life and relationships seem to lose their meaning. The unrest compromises your immune system and you may find yourself succumbing to increased “disease” and sickness.

You can read the other two narratives from the full article published in Revival Magazine.

Are you ready to STOP the glorification of busy?