So many of us fail to truly rest when we should. We resist because there is so much to do and the busyness of the “go, go” world consumes us. But, there will be times when we have no choice, and rest is forced upon us. The last few days have brought on a renewed desire and necessity for me to rest. It was definitely thrust upon me. I have been pushing myself beyond my body’s capability and Saturday night, it all caught up with me.

The Bible speaks extensively about taking time to rest and be still. Rest is not only for the flesh. It aids in the restoration of the spirit, brings peace, wisdom, insight, and clarity. It causes us to hear clearly from the Holy Spirit and discern truth from the lies of the enemy. It helps us to draw closer to the One who loves and cares for us the most. It is a comfort we cannot find anywhere else.

I took for granted that my body had been healed, but had done nothing to maintain the healing. I fully believe that God has the power and desire to heal our frail bodies and minds. He has healed me more times than I can count. Not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. He has healed broken hearts, broken thoughts and broken pieces of us all. I have watched friends receive divine healing and hope. I have also seen the reality of our humanity and free will impact myself and those I love.

We assume that there is no work required by us to complete the work God began. God isn’t a genie. So much of our ability to thrive relies on our own choices and direction. Ignoring things to avoid dealing with them only delays the consequence. Another lesson I needed repeated for me. One, unfortunately that could have detrimental consequences not only for me, but for everyone who loves me. I can’t neglect what I have already been taught, again.

I still have an auto-immune disease. It’s something I was born with, and something that God has granted me freedom from, but it still exists. I am responsible for what I am pouring into myself daily. Stress, worry, hurt, overthinking, not eating, not sleeping, not exercising or taking time to decompress and release…all of these things have changed the outcome God wanted for me. He didn’t rescind his healing. I didn’t do what was necessary to continue the healing.

I am willing to accept and strive for a better outcome this time. Opening my eyes to the responsibilities I have neglected. Taking time to be still and allowing restoration of my body and spirit. Remembering that I am human. Reminding myself it is okay to take a moment to breathe, exercise, meditate, pray, and rest. And that it is okay to speak up when I begin to notice warning signs that my body and soul need a break.

Rest isn’t idleness, despite what the world has made us believe. There is a distinction between rest and idleness. Rest comes after work, it is relief from a burdensome activity, freedom from worry, a state of relaxation. Idleness is pure inactivity, laziness, an unwillingness to work at all. We need to acknowledge those differences instead of guilting ourselves out of the rest God calls us to embrace and seek.