Freely Speaking Audio Devotion

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Darla Czeropski explores the importance of incorporating rest into your schedule.

Our first scripture is from Mark 12:30 (ESV), “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”

The second is Matthew 11:28 (ESV), “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

I read an article containing data that shows people with full calendars aren’t necessarily too busy; they only feel too busy.

I glanced at my calendar ─ not a space was left empty. Did this mean I was too busy? Surely, this is why I feel tired most of the time.

Jesus understood that life is busy. He worked, did ministry, cared for family, and went above and beyond to help those who needed His healing touch. By the end of the day, He was exhausted. This is why He offered great advice for anyone who feels depleted by the end of the day. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus tells us to learn from Him.

What should we learn? We should “come to Him.” Spending time with Jesus is paramount to experiencing balance in our busy day. When we align ourselves with Him, we will receive instruction and find the rest we need.

In His message in the book of Matthew, Jesus uses the yoke as an example because the people of His period understood the importance of using a “yoke” to guide oxen in the field.

Jesus longs to be our guide as we offer our schedule to Him, check our hearts, and make the needed changes He impresses on us. Then, He will offer us rest.

The word ‘rest’ comes from the Greek word ‘anapauo,’ which means to refresh, rejuvenate, reinvigorate, or revitalize.

Jesus didn’t say stop doing what you are doing. He knew work and ministry were important. However, He knew that ‘rest’ is vital to keeping our bodies healthy. This is why our Heavenly Father made a point of setting aside a day of rest.

Believe it or not, I realized that I ‘can be busy’ without feeling ‘too’ busy by scheduling time to rest throughout the day.

Some ways to rest might include sitting or lying down and listening to uplifting music, taking a short walk, meditating on the Lord, or closing your eyes while taking deep breaths.

If you feel the weight of busyness, have a heart-to-heart with Jesus. Consider ways to weave in times to relax and place them in your calendar today.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/