In case you didn’t already know, I have been a fan of the group Celtic Woman since seeing their first PBS special over fifteen years ago. As I type these words, I am watching their latest special Post Cards from Ireland. I have always loved their music and this special includes such beautiful scenery that it is quickly becoming one of my favorites. To be completely honest, I find myself in a bit of a melancholic mood today, which is likely due in part to the extreme exhaustion I’ve been battling lately. Since the doctor can’t find an apparent cause, I can only assume that stress is the cause.
Whatever the case may be, I found that my heart needed something soothing as I tried to find words to process the thoughts in my head today. So, I am listening to their angelic voices singing from different beautiful locations, wishing that I could see some of the beautiful scenery in person. Sometimes it all gets to be a bit much and you just need a break from it all. Sometimes the cares of life get so heavy, you need to find a few moments of rest. I’ve already spent time today doing what I always recommend to others which means I spent time reading the Word of God.
As always, it soothed my heart like nothing else could and reminded me that I have much to be grateful for. Reading through the Gospels reminded me how very much I am loved. You see; I know that when my body is exhausted, my heart is heavy-burdened, and my emotions are a little worn, I need to take care of myself. I need to feed myself some Truth. I need to allow myself some rest. I need to do things that soothe my soul. We’ve become a people so focused on being busy all the time that we often neglect the important art of taking care of ourselves and allowing ourselves to rest when we need it.
For the last few weeks, I have battled an exhaustion and fatigue that have far surpassed the normal fibromyalgia fatigue I usually battle. This has caused me to have no option but to take it easier than I normally do. It has caused me to rest whether I wanted to or not. Why is it that we feel so guilty when we do rest more than usual? I mean, it is literally one of the ten commandments! We are literally commanded to rest one day a week, yet how many of us actually do that anymore? We have seriously become a people who feel guilty about resting.
My friend, may I ask you a question? When was the last time you rested? I don’t mean when the last time was you slept. I mean, when was the last time you just took some time to rest, time to feed your soul and rest your mind. When was the last time you put aside the heavy load you are carrying and took time to just breathe? When was the last time you did something you loved, just because it brought you joy? When is the last time you just sat with the Lord and let Him refresh your soul? When was the last time you listened to music you love, the kind that lifts your heart above your circumstances?
Beloved, may I whisper a truth to your heart? It is okay to rest. Not only is it okay but it is also Biblical. “Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to eat” Mark 6:31. Dear heart, perhaps He is whispering the same thing to you today. Come, dear one, let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile. If so, it is okay to do just that. Go ahead and give yourself permission to rest awhile. Let Him help you find the rest that only He can give!
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; For he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a
Katrina Douglas
4/14/2022
