For the busy mom, rest sounds appealing. But that is not merely because you are tired. You want to live with a heart at rest, so that you can minister to your family and carry out the calling God has given you. In the midst of daily life, this idea of rest often seems impossible.
But do we really know what we are seeking? Do we know what rest really is?
Perhaps the best way to understand rest is to determine what it is not.
Rest is not lazy.
The mom with a heart at rest does not sit around doing nothing. She works, ministers, serves. She does so with a sense of purpose. She knows what God has called her to do, and she diligently does it. A mom’s heart can rest with satisfaction that she accomplishes the work God gives her.
Rest is not easy.
The mom with a heart at rest does not ignore discipline issues to address, housework to attend to, lessons to teach. Rather, she faithfully sets about doing the work that needs to be done. Rest actually requires much intentionality. A mom’s heart can rest knowing she has cared for the important tasks.
Rest is not aimless.
The mom with a heart at rest knows her purpose. God placed her in this time and place intentionally. She is not confused by the endless opportunities of how to spend her time. She focuses on the people around her, because they are the center of her calling. She sees her purpose in the exciting and the mundane. A mom’s heart can rest because she knows her purpose.
Rest is not busy.
The mom with a heart at rest accomplishes tasks, but she knows when to stop. Mom will be busy, but she takes action to calm her heart. She builds in margin, creates intentional rest stops, honors the concept of Sabbath. A mom’s heart can rest when she does not allow the busyness to become her master.
Rest is not guilty.
The mom with a heart at rest has plenty of failure in her past. But she knows the forgiveness of her Jesus. Guilt and shame do not define her. She is defined by who Jesus is. A mom’s heart can rest because she knows God loves her perfectly.
Rest is not frantic.
The mom with a heart at rest does not frantically move from one task or activity to another. She approaches each day proactively, not reactively. She has realistic expectations of herself and those around her. She is not thrown off course by the interruptions that enter her day. A mom’s heart can rest when she walks through her day with resolute focus.
Rest is not distracted.
The mom with a heart at rest is aware of the many voices around her: culture, media, people. Yet she can silence the voices contrary to her purpose. She is not tempted by every shiny new activity, plan, or curriculum. She seeks God daily. A mom’s heart can rest when she knows His still, small voice and silences the others.
Rest is not weary.
The mom with a heart at rest will grow tired physically. But her soul is refreshed and energized. She knows that God Himself is the source of her strength. A mom’s heart can rest when she pursues Him daily to receive His strength.
Rest is not anxious.
The mom with a heart at rest knows the stakes are high: her children’s futures and hearts. But she has quiet confidence that God is who He says He is. She runs to the strong tower of His Name when anxiety creeps in. A mom’s heart can rest when she walks diligently and trusts God with the final outcome.
Rest is not impossible.
Does this type of rest seem impossible? It is not. Every time you feel lazy, aimless, busy, guilty, frantic, distracted, weary, or anxious, it is a cue. These feelings are your reminder to get close to Jesus. He wants you to live with a heart in a state of rest.
Only Jesus is able to help you live in rest – because He Himself is our peace.
What is your cue today to get closer to Jesus?