Rest / Reflection (Tabitha Holcomb)

It’s quite funny that when trying to think about the words rest and reflection as a woman who has always been a stay-at-home mom, the first thought that comes to mind is, “What exactly IS true rest and reflection?” Not only what is it, but how do I achieve it? Our world often associates rest with laziness and reflection with something none of us have time for. But not only is it necessary, it’s Biblical.

Matthew 11:28–29 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

We live in such a fast-paced world where we are constantly told that staying busy is some kind of badge of honor. When our friends ask us what we have been up to that day, it can almost seem like something to be ashamed of to say that we rested.

But what would happen if we actually did what Scripture tells us to do? What if we decided that instead of continuing to do it all ourselves, leaving us completely exhausted and overwhelmed, we allowed ourselves to rest in the arms of a Savior who so genuinely invites us to Him?

We are called to be like Jesus and even He rested.

Luke 5:15–16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Notice the word “often.” It doesn’t say He occasionally withdrew and prayed. It doesn’t say He withdrew and prayed when He was overwhelmed and exhausted. It says He did so often. He made rest, reflection, and prayer something He did often.

And maybe that’s the part we miss. I know I miss it for sure. 

My encouragement is to not wait until you are overwhelmed and exhausted to rest or reflect. Don’t wait until you have nothing left to give.

Do so often. Withdraw. Be still. Reflect. Pray. Rest in Him. He is inviting you to that. 

Because rest isn’t laziness. Sometimes, rest is obedience.