Resting Well to Recalibrate Towards Purpose
“We need to know that real respite is a radical expression of reliance, because it is the opposite of the norm. It’s trusting that it’s NOT all up to me.”
Photo by Thought Catalog
Y’all, I struggle with resting well. Anybody with me? Even as I type this, I can hear my friend Caitlyn’s words ringing in my ears. “Nyla, we were built for 24 hours of rest every week. A day of nothing.”
I have to talk myself into rest. I stand in the bathroom mirror and say affirmations like, “I am a vessel for the transformational power of the word of God when I exercise regularly, REST EFFICIENTLY, and eat well” and “I show gratitude for the fullest extent of the activity of my limbs by strengthening my body through consistent exercise, RESTING when necessary.”
Biblical reminders like Leviticus 19:30, Jeremiah 17:20-25 and Matthew 11:28-30 often tug at my heart, imploring me to rest, respecting God’s provision of solace for His children.
MORE THAN A PREFERENCE
To be perfectly candid, the call to rest has to be bigger than just a preference if I’m going to actually heed it.
I must be reminded that taking advantage of regular downtime that truly refreshes me brings me closer to who God created me to be. Why? Rest reminds me that it’s not my works that bring forth His promises for my life. If I’m honest, I lose sight of that sometimes. I forget that the world’s “grind or die” mentality counters God’s best for His children.
I will miss what God is doing if I don’t take time to stop, take inventory, recalibrate toward purpose, and then begin again.
If I’m burned out (pardon the pun!), it’s hard to shine brightly as a beacon of light that reflects heaven. I’m not reflecting the unmerited favor of God given to us through Jesus if I’m not resting well. Sheesh! That just hit me right between the eyes while I was typing it.
WHAT REST LOOKS LIKE
Rest looks different for everyone. What about you?
It’s bigger than a nap here and there.
We need to know that real respite is a radical expression of reliance, because it is the opposite of the norm. It’s trusting that it’s NOT all up to me.
Cultural expectations of nonstop performance and production directly conflict with how we are supposed to limit our labor for maximum impact. It seems upside down, but we’ll actually accomplish more by regularly doing less. It’s how God designed us.
We are called to function differently. Our unhurried stride toward success must include space for standing still and, in the stillness, God does his best work.
“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!”
Giving all glory to God, Nyla Watson is a dedicated actor, concert artist, voice teacher and coach, competition singer and writer in the New York City community and a recent grad of New York University (NYU) where she received her Masters in Music Theater Voice. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 4-years-old and rededicated her life at 21, but began a journey to relentless obedience at 25. She attributes her successes to her faith, her parents, her education, and her professional and personal influences. Acts 4:7-12. www.queennyla.com