Tossing and Turning at Night? Peaceful Rest Awaits.
A few nights ago, I found myself lying restlessly awake in bed. I was thinking about all of the “what ifs” and “buts” that I made about my life’s decisions. Of course, this is nothing strange or different, we all tend to do this from time to time, but for some reason, I could not find peace to rest.
Perhaps it was because I was replaying that new jam by Kierra Sheard, Repin’ my Jesus Christ, in my head. The beat and words, “I’m in my gold chain, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Rockin’ pumps and J’s, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Fresh new swag repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ, Who said I couldn’t be fly, repin’, repin’ my Jesus Christ…” It was my new anthem. But, there was a problem. Between my “what ifs” and “buts”, and the beat to Kierra’s song, I was wide awake.
Around 5 a.m., I began to pray over my thoughts, heart, mind, and body and somewhere before 6:30 a.m., sleep found its way to me.
Have You Ever Had a Restless Night?
Too often people search for comfort and peaceful rest in the form of unhealthy relationships, alcohol, drugs, and other vices to escape their “running mind”. This only creates a pause or a temporary sense of relief from the anxieties in the real world.
We, however, must remember that permanent, peaceful rest can only be found through Jesus Christ.
Rest is interconnected with Jesus Christ. Without rest, we cannot maintain a healthy, abundant life. Why? Because, it rejuvenates us and provides us with the energy we need to honor Jesus Christ and to love our family, friends, and those around us.
Rest is a spiritual discipline that helps us relish in the presence of Jesus Christ while realigning our primacies. Our Bible tells us, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3). Therefore, it is important that we clear our minds, relax our spirits, and rest in knowing that Jesus Christ will take care of our worries.
Sounds simple enough, right? Let’s give it a try.
Keys to Peaceful Rest Through Jesus Christ
Here are 3 steps that we can take to obtain and maintain peaceful rest:
1. Be Mindful.
Think about Paul in Romans 12. He encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Through mindfulness, we can redirect and realign our minds, spirits, hearts, and souls allowing our Jesus Christ to do His thing! We have a promise of perfect peace when our minds are steadfast on Him (Isaiah 26:3).
Now think about the question: Where do you find yourself most comfortable? Perhaps, it is sitting in a quiet space just above your stairway, where you can catch the sun descending along the horizon. Maybe it is while you are at the gym listening to a Word from Sarah Jakes, Joyce Meyer, or Joel Osteen. Or, do you find your peace while listening to a spiritual jam by Martha Munizzi, Tasha Cobb, or your favorite artist. Wherever and whatever brings you peace and allows you to feel the closeness of Jesus Christ, go there and find your rest in Him. Allow Jesus Christ to have His way with you and receive the peace that He offers.
2. Read the Word.
All Scripture is inspired by Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:16). When you read or listen to Jesus Christ’s Word, and you reflect on what it says, you learn to recognize Jesus Christ’s voice. Focused time in the Bible involves making it a precedence to concentrate on just being in the presence of Jesus Christ and His powerful word.
3. Surrender your will, release the ego.
Resting in the Lord requires that we give up on our own self-importance and self-reliance (ego). Surrender allows Him to bring rest and repair so that you can thrive. Surrendering to Jesus Christ also means that we are opening ourselves to Him, and in doing so, we are finding our place of serenity in Him. We are trusting Him and saying “Jesus, come in and take care of me, the way that only you can.”
SO, WHAT’S THE PLAY CALL?
Be mindful, read the Word, surrender and allow Jesus Christ to take care of you. Give full responsibility for peace in your life to the Prince of Peace. Allow your heart, body, mind, and soul to rest in Jesus, He’s waiting (Matthew 11:28).
