Embracing Rest in Ministry: It's OK to Rest

Embracing Rest in Ministry: It's OK to Pause and Breathe

Hello, friends! I’m Andrea Olson, and today, we're diving deep into a topic that is close to my heart: rest. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burdened. This episode is all about embracing the pause, taking a deep breath, and finding rest in our ministry journeys. Whether you're a worship leader or part of a church team, this is for you. So grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, find a cozy spot, and let’s journey together into the heart of rest.

Embracing the Pause

Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about something incredibly important but often overlooked in our busy lives—rest. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been walking through some heavy stuff. Personal challenges, hard news, and just the general busyness of life. It’s made me realize how crucial it is to take a step back, breathe, and truly rest. So, let’s explore why it’s okay to pause and how we can integrate this into our daily lives.

You know, sometimes we get so caught up in our to-do lists and responsibilities that we forget the importance of just stopping for a moment. Imagine a world where you give yourself permission to take a break without feeling guilty. Sounds dreamy, right? Let’s make that our reality.

The Weight of Constant Connectivity

Isn’t it crazy how we can access the entire world from our phones? While technology has its perks, it also means we’re constantly bombarded with information, news, and updates from every corner of the globe. It’s no wonder we feel heavy sometimes! Remember the days when news traveled slowly, and our circles were much smaller? Nowadays, a friend of a friend’s news from 2500 miles away can land in our laps, adding to the emotional load we carry.

With travel and technology expanding our connections, our circles of empathy grow too. We hear about and feel for people far beyond our immediate vicinity. While it’s beautiful to be so connected, it also means we need to be more intentional about setting boundaries and taking time to rest.

Picture this: you’re sitting at home, enjoying a quiet evening, and then ding—your phone lights up with a message from a friend about some heavy news. Before you know it, you’re deep into a conversation, offering support and prayers. It’s wonderful to be there for others, but it also adds to the emotional weight we carry. Sometimes, it’s okay to turn off the notifications and just be present in the moment.

The Importance of Rest in Ministry

Why is rest so important, especially in ministry? Let’s turn to Matthew 11:28-30 in The Passion Translation. It says, “Are you weary carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your Oasis.” Isn’t that just beautiful? Jesus invites us to find refreshment in Him. He promises that what He requires of us is pleasant and easy to bear.

Rest isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command from God. He modeled rest, and He knows we need it for our spiritual and physical well-being. If we don’t take time to rest, our bodies and minds will eventually force us to do so. We’ve all experienced getting sick or burning out because we didn’t take care of ourselves. Let’s learn to rest before we reach that point.

Think about it this way: even God, the Creator of the universe, took a day to rest. If He saw the importance of rest, shouldn’t we? Rest is not just about physical relaxation; it’s about rejuvenating our spirit and reconnecting with God. It’s about allowing ourselves to be human and acknowledging that we can’t do it all.

Scripture for Encouragement

I love how Matthew 11:28-30 is phrased in The Passion Translation: “Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you is pleasant and easy to bear.”

Isn’t it comforting to know that God’s requirements are not burdensome? He’s not asking us for a long list of tasks. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to go through rituals and sacrifices anymore. We can simply come to Him, lay our burdens at His feet, and find rest.

Let’s break this down a bit. The phrase “join your life with mine” is such a beautiful invitation. It’s like Jesus is saying, “Hey, let’s do this together.” It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing life with Him. When we align our lives with His, we find a rhythm that includes rest and peace. Imagine your life being like a dance with Jesus, moving gracefully and effortlessly, without the heavy burden of trying to keep up with the world's pace.

Practical Steps to Embrace Rest

Alright, let’s get practical. How do we embrace rest in our daily lives?

Set Boundaries with Technology: Use features like “Do Not Disturb” on your phone. At a certain time each night, let your phone switch to this mode so you won’t be disturbed by notifications. It’s a simple way to give your mind and emotions a break.

Create a Rest Routine: Establish daily times for prayer and reflection. Maybe it’s a quiet moment with a cup of tea in the morning, or a walk in the evening. Find what works for you and make it a habit.

Use Guided Tools: One of my favorite tools is John Eldridge’s “Pause” app. It offers guided pauses with beautiful instrumental music, scripture, and prayers. Whether you take a one-minute pause or a ten-minute break, it’s a great way to center yourself and find peace in God’s presence.

Imagine creating a little sanctuary in your day. Maybe it’s a comfy chair by the window where you sip your morning coffee and spend a few minutes in prayer. Or perhaps it’s a short walk after dinner, where you leave your phone behind and just enjoy the sounds of nature. These small, intentional moments can make a big difference in how we feel and how we connect with God.

Personal Reflections on Rest

I want to share a personal journey with you. Over the past few years, I’ve been so focused on helping others that I forgot to ask God for healing for myself. It’s been a beautiful and humbling experience to come to Him, admit my need for healing, and allow Him to work in my heart.

Maybe you’re in a similar place. You’re carrying burdens that you thought you could fix on your own. It’s time to surrender those to God. Remember, it’s not yours to fix. Partner with Him in your prayers and let Him take those burdens.

Let’s get real for a moment. It’s easy to think we can handle everything on our own. We’re leaders, we’re helpers, we’re doers. But sometimes, we need to admit that we’re not superhuman. We need to let go and let God step in. It’s okay to ask for help, to admit that we’re struggling, and to seek God’s healing for ourselves.

A Song of Comfort

As we wrap up today’s episode, I want to share a song with you. It’s called "Good Shepherd," and it’s a reminder of God’s care and presence in our lives. Let the words wash over you and bring you peace.

Sing or play the song "Good Shepherd"

Take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the music soothe your soul. Imagine Jesus, the Good Shepherd, standing beside you, ready to take on your burdens and lead you to a place of rest and peace.

Conclusion

Friends, it’s okay to rest. It’s okay to pause and take a break. We are not meant to carry the weight of the world on our own. Make time every day to connect with God, lay your burdens at His feet, and let Him refresh you.

Remember, you don’t have to have it all together. We’re here for you at Overflow Worship. We’re praying for you and cheering you on. Until next time, keep on thriving and find your rest in Him.