Everywhere I look I see exhausted people. Christians are no exception. Our frenetic pace of life can sap even the most devoted believers of energy, leaving them apathetic and ineffective.

Many of us have rededicated our lives to God in the past but found that our resolve didn’t last. Did we get so busy doing stuff for God that we forgot to rest in God? Did we make the work of the Lord more important than the Lord himself?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

If so, what’s the solution?

Become more like a toddler. That’s right, be more like those hyper little creatures who destroy your living room in 10 minutes flat. Why? They’re busy bees but they’re also great at resting: cuddling on Mom’s lap, napping, sleeping 9-12 hours a night. King David wanted to rest in God like that:

"But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (Psalm 131:2, ESV).

When was the last time you felt completely secure in your Heavenly Father’s arms? Do you ever just interrupt your day to sit on his lap and remember that you are his and that he loves you so much?

We need to be active for God, taking Spirit-led and strategic action. But to be Spirit-led is also to rest intimately in God throughout the day. Then our devotion to God won’t burn out like a new year’s resolution. When resting in the presence of God becomes a lifestyle, our constant intimacy with God will sustain our passion for sharing the Gospel.

updated August 2019

Photo Credit: Sal