5 Ways to Rest

Hey there hi there ho there!

Welcome back to Coffee With Kaydee, where there is always a place for you!

Today we're going to talk about something important and necessary, but so hard to do. In our fast pace lives, where we fill our calendars and "hustle," we need to prioritize true rest. Now, this is no "self-care" post. The truth is, I think what this world considers self-care is wrong. Self care is not manicures, getting your hair done, taking a bath, working out, or even taking a nap! These things might make us momentarily feel better about life, but after an hour or two we still feel run down and overwhelmed by life. This is because these things are not truly taking care of ourselves. They are great things to enjoy, but if we are solely depending on them to find true rest we will no doubt be disappointed.

True rest can be found when we start looking in the right places. Here are a few ways we can truly rest.

1 // Put Down Your Phone

This is something I still struggle with daily, and something I am working on daily. Our phones provide constant stimulation and information overload to our brains. Social media apps are specifically designed to become addictive. The mass of information causes anxiety and depression. When we take a break from our phone, we actually begin to rest. If you are feeling rundown, overwhelmed an anxious, the first step is to take a break from your phone. Whether that is for a day, a week, a month, or permanently. Delete the apps you spend the most time on, set limits, turn on do not disturb, and begin to rest.

2 // Pray

After we turn the noise off, our mind is quiet enough to pray. No matter if life feels easy or hard, we are all carrying burdens. Hearts break for the war and devastation happening all over the world, hearts break at the loss of loved ones, the loss of dreams. Hearts worry over bills and needs that seem impossible to meet. You may not be actively thinking about these things, but burdens are always on your shoulders. In order to rest we must take off this backpack of burdens and worries and lay them at Jesus feet. He loves and cares for us, His yoke is easy and His burden is light. When we lay it at His feet, He gives us rest.

"casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

3 // Attend Church in Person

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:24-25

Part of true rest is found in assembling together with other believers. When believers are gathered together, they encourage one another, stir up love, and do good together. God designed the church so that His children may be lifted up and find rest in the fellowship of one another. When believers are gathered together, the Holy Spirit is there working on hearts. This is not done on Facebook Live. This is done in church. If you find yourself weary, go to church, share your burdens, prayer for fellow believers, and be bolstered in the word of God.

4 // Spend Time in God's Word

You have time to spend in God's Word, I promise. You can read one verse a day, and the Holy Spirit will refresh and renew you. When you hear from the Lord through His word, you will find promises to cling to, truth to hope in, and peace that is unexplainable.

"that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus," Acts 3:20

5 // Go Outside

Sometimes we feel more rested sitting on our couch watching TV. However, sunshine and fresh air are two of the best tools to feel rested and refreshed. If you are feeling down, sleepy, groggy, step outside. Even if it's raining or snowing, it will refresh you. God created nature and He wants us to be in it!

I pray that these 5 tips encourage you to seek true rest in the Lord. "Self-care" is fine and good, but you won't feel truly rested, refreshed, and refilled until you seek rest in the Lord.