Entering into His rest

A few seasons ago I was at a point where I had exhausted myself both spiritually and physically. I felt I couldn't do anything, create, think and sometimes even pray. I heard the voice of the Lord and His word in Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." . I spent some time meditating on scriptures and I kept hearing the Father telling me to enter into His rest(Hebrews 4:10). I was trying to figure some things out on my own, in my organization, in my career, in my family life and all the Lord wanted of me was to come to Him surrender and allow Him to exchange my burdens for His presence, peace, and rest. I decided to go on a one month sabbatical where all I did was go back into spending time with God. Some days I would go on prayer walks, other days I would rest, and other days I would listen to worship. I spent so much time talking to God during my morning prayer walks and didn't do much activities as it related to ministry. I also halted all work related activities and spent more time eating healthy, taking naps etc.

Of course I understand not everyone has the luxury of doing this but God  allowed for me to do so in that season. I remember one day I was spending quiet time with God and He said to me don't ever think that because of the things you do is what makes me bless you. Sometimes in ministry we think the more we do for God the more He blesses us but God was teaching me that in fact even in seasons where everything seems still and quiet that is when restoration of our souls happen(Psalms 23:2-3) and that even in the seasons of rest He still takes care of everything we need in that season. I committed to my sabbatical rest and I realized that the sabbath in itself is something that is so important to God. We must find intentional time to rest, because it is when one rests you hear directions for your next season clearly, it is when we rest we can cultivate deeper presence with God. I came out of the season of a sabbatical but I carry the daily spiritual practice of resting in God's word, promises and presence since then. It was life changing for me. I no longer connected my value and worth as a christian to activity but rather I attached my value to how God sees me and His love for me. It changed everything for me as far as how I showed up in my roles be it my role as a wife, a leader, a minister, a mentee etc. I thank God for the ability to enter into His rest and to receive new revelation, direction and strength to step into new seasons. Here are 3 ways you can begin your journey of resting in God:

1. Pick a time during the day/week where it is just for some aspect of rest(studying the word, listening to worship music, spending quiet solitude time with God)
2. Pick a month that you set aside during the year that is a sabbatical month just you and the Lord 
3. Build an accountability community that holds you accountable to take period rests both spiritual and physical resting periods 

I hope you are blessed as you read this post and may you receive the rest of God in this season in Jesus name Amen.

​Moiyattu.

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