Come Rest A While

Come Rest A While || Matthew 11:28 || Tamika Brown

“I hope you are reading this while laying down.” -Tricia Hersey*

Like most folks trying to survive and thrive in a capitalist-driven society, I’m busy. Almost always busy. So much so that my 13-year-old son will frequently remind me that “I thought you were supposed to be sitting down. I thought you were supposed to be taking a break.” Then I say, “I know I know I know I know, but I gotta do this one more thing” and then of course this one more thing turns into five more things then I check the text messages and the emails and that turns into 10 more things and then I find myself wondering how it is ‘already’ time for bed!

Today’s culture tries to teach us that the hustle and grind mentality is the way to go and that we will rest when we’re dead. And to that I say, it’s a no for me! I’m gonna go ahead and disagree with that because the underlying notion there is simply ridiculous. Hersey more eloquently states: “All of culture is working in collaboration for us not to rest, and when we do listen to our bodies and take rest, many feel guilt and shame.”

But Tamika, what does this have to do with the scripture? Moreover, what does this have to do with ME?!?! I’ll tell you; God does not want this for us.

The scripture for today is one that most Christians have heard at some point. If we know nothing else, we know that in God we can lay our burdens down. We sing about it. We write about it. We teach it and we preach it. But as we launch into the 40 days of the Lenten season, do you think this means that we should wait until we are at our wit’s end to seek solace in God? Do you think God wants us to be so weary that we think of God only as a last resort?

Over the next 40 days, let’s create some rest practices:

• Say no. This is hard for us to do because we don’t want to disappoint those around us. However, we can’t pour from an empty cup.
• Set boundaries and stick to them. Life be lifin' and there are plenty of times when “no” isn’t a real option, however, drawing the line on when and how people have access to you always is. Add rest time to your calendar just as you add work time.
• Meditate. Don’t worry, this doesn’t have to include a yoga mat. Choose a single scriptural verse and pray it for 15 minutes; take a casual stroll, or listen intently to some music.
• Limit daily social media and news. The very speed at which information is shared and consumed wears us out even when we don’t realize it.
• Get some sleep. Turn the screens and lights off and go lay down!
• Read. Whether it is a biblical text or your favorite romance novel, focused reading time allows us to slow down.
• Breathe. Taking deep, slow breaths resets us mentally, physically and emotionally.
  For 5 minutes each morning and each night:
  [Inhale: The Lord is my shepherd. Exhale: Even in rest, I shall not want.]
  
  

As we reflect on this Season of Renewal, let us consider rest as an integral part of our praise, our worship, our prayer and our study. Let us not wait until we are too exhausted to give our best to God. We can rest our burdens on God and we can also bless God with our rest. A rest that allows us more time to dwell in God’s word and presence.

Prayer: Most gracious and merciful God. Thank you for rest. Thank you for reminding us that we do not have to run ourselves down or allow others to run us down. Thank you for giving us the courage to say no. Thank you for giving us the strength to not feel ashamed in our rest. Amen and Àṣẹ.

*Reference: Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto, by Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry