As spring is budding, we see evidence of God’s provision and goodness all around. His glory is especially evident in the blooms, buds, and beautiful sunrises of spring. Windows are flinging open, lawnmowers are buzzing, and sparrows are singing their melodical songs. As we enter our fifth month of another difficult year for many, spring brings us new blessings and reminders of our great hope in Christ. The book of Micah speaks of the shadow of protection, atonement for sin, and soul-dwelling peace that we have in Christ Jesus. The prophet Micah wrote during an unpeaceful time of war in Micah 5:5, “And He will be our peace, when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses.” We can take note of His provision in countless times in the Bible and carve out moments and days of rest as we meditate on such a great peace.
Our world and culture provide no hope but promise to provide things like “a better life” and “a better/happier you”. The more we work at those, the more overwhelm and anxiety seem to batter the human flesh. Sisters, we are called to live differently. In a culture that screams for “self-care”, that encourages anxiety, self-reliance, and laziness, we can instead be cognizant to put aside the mindset of this world and convene with our Father. We must frequently rest, pray, and create spiritual habits that draw us near to Him and His people.
God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), so what makes us believe we do not also need to rest? Jesus rested, and took time from his ministry and his close friends (disciples) to spend time with his Father. Luke 4:16 says that Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, a custom of his. In Mark 1:35, we see that after ministering to others but before beginning again, Jesus left everyone to go pray. He even physically rested while on a boat in the middle of a raging storm with the disciples (Mark 4:35-41). We need to take heed and follow in His (the perfect human’s) footsteps. Resting may look different for every woman, but we must ensure we rely on gleaning our strength and rest from our Savior first and foremost. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”, states Psalm 73:26. Amen!! Spa days or days off work can rest our physical body but will never begin to give us wisdom or true peace as time with the Lord will.
We do not need highlighters, a cup of coffee in a stylish mug, and a pretty Bible with tabs to focus on spiritual self-care. We need routines, dedication, and persistence. Women of all ages need to dive deep into theology, have a solid Biblical community and church, and be well versed on what God’s word says. How are we to combat a depraved and sinful culture if we have no idea what God’s word says or His instructions for us? The book of Hebrews, speculated to have been written to a Jewish Christian community in Rome, highlights the inheritance of salvation through Jesus. Hebrews 4:10-11 reminds the Christ-followers that, “anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us…make every effort to enter that rest..” Our rest means peace with God, freedom from servant-like spiritual bondage, and freedom of worship. We do good works because He has fully saved us, not to earn our salvation. Thank God for such a gift! We can fully rest in our salvation, and also take time each week in the form of physical and spiritual rest. Spiritual self-care must include fellowship with believers, consistent marinating on Scripture, and humble prayers to our omniscient God.
If you need the reminder today, that you need rest…here it is. You were meant to live in constant communication with our loving and powerful Savior, not travel through this brief life strung out and exhausted. He made us for community, both with Him and other believers. What is one step you can take this month to be more intentional with both?
Lord, we come to you today just as we are. We thank you that though we were once battered by sin, You have made us whole and worthy, and is only by your mercy and grace that we have been saved. We thank you that we have been set free in Jesus’ sacrifice of life. We pray that you will make it abundantly clear if we need more intentionality in convening with you each day. We pray that you would draw us to your Word each day and into communion with you in prayer. We pray for devotion where we are lacking, motivation where we are struggling, and a heart that needs daily rest with You.
Katlynn Hutchcraft is a follower of Jesus, wife, dental hygienist and graduate student. She and her husband are members of a local church, where they serve in the children’s ministry and in the young married couples’ class. She is passionate about education and increasing access to healthcare, creating community for women in Southern Illinois, and spending quality time with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys a good book and coffee, crafting, and thrift shopping.
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