“He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:3)

As much as we don’t like to admit it, women’s hearts are made of gold.

We give, we toil, we create, we exhaust ourselves; we survive off of 2 and 3 hours of sleep at night, we pray hard, we forgive harder, we fight fair, we study, we serve, we give our all.

However, in all of this, we often neglect to replenish our spiritual, emotional, and physical selves.

Needing a break is not a sign of weakness; it’s a part of life.

After God created the world He took a rest (Genesis 2:2). We know Him as the God who neither slumbers, nor sleeps, but His rest meant that he put down His work, ceased His exertion, and went into a state of repose.

It’s okay to rest so that the Almighty God can restore your soul.

In this often goal-crazed, instant results society, we miss the beauty found in restoration. Athletes, after injury, take time before going back on the field or court. They give their bodies time to restore itself back to proper functioning. When a singer loses her voice, she doesn’t jump back into the studio; she rests her vocal cords in order to restore her musical muscles so that she can get back to that place of fulfillment and rejoicing. 

Does someone have to force you to take a break when you’re too exhausted to even keep your eyes open? Has the doctor given a bad result on your exam and now you have no choice but to be still to be restored to health?

Girlfriend, listen to your body.

Your goals will be accomplished; not because you work yourself to death, but because you cherish your temple enough to allow God to restore and revive your soul when you start running on empty.

Pray with me:

Dear Jehovah, you have left me awesome examples of rest and restoration in scripture. You rested on the seventh day after creating the world; Jesus often went to the mountains to pray and restore His soul. The disciples often rested from their many missionary journeys. Why should I be any different? May your Spirit gently nudge me to take care of my body and my spirit so that I may be an effective tool for your kingdom. When I stop long enough to enjoy your presence, my soul is restored in peace and I am equipped for my next endeavors. Thank you Lord, for the gift of revival and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.