Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Have the days of coronavirus lockdown made you “stir-crazy?” Have you found yourself walking in circles, failing to remember what it was you were going to do next? Maybe there is much extra time on your hands, and it frustrates you because your schedules were always packed to the brim with activity. Psychologists are saying that rest—true rest, not just a night of sleep—is essential to maintaining your mental health during these days.
They have offered some suggestions. Find an enjoyable activity and set aside time each day to engage in it. It could be listening to a music album, reading a book, or working on a quiet craft program. When you can, take some time to enjoy nature, look at its colors, listen to the sounds, smell the fragrances. Take off your shoes and wriggle your toes in the new grass. It is also important to set aside time for others. If you are a family all quarantined together, try to spend some quality time with each one individually. Then take care of yourself with stretching exercises, a fresh fruit snack, a bubble bath—each offer restoration. Finally, get into the Scriptures, focus on Jesus, and spend time communicating with the Father. He loves you.
Pray With Us
Holy God, nothing is too difficult for You. Things seem arduous for me. I’m exhausted. I admit that I either try too hard to cram much into my day or else I sit like a “couch potato,” accomplishing almost nothing. In You, Lord, there is perfect balance. Help me remember what Your Word says in Psalm 94:19, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.” Thank You for including rest in Your plans for me. Bless my day as I learn to rest more and more in You. Thank You for loving me.
Amen.
