I know that this time of isolation has been challenging for some; however, we as Christians have been given a great opportunity to rest, recharge, and reconnect with God. I pray that as things go back to “normal-ish”, we continue to make the effort to keep up with these three things.
REST:
Thank God it’s Friday! Is it the weekend yet? I can’t believe it’s Monday already…
We’ve all probably said one of the above or some variation of it… if not all of them. Now it seems like we are happy that the longest weekend is ending, but soon enough we will be back to hoping for some weekend rest.
It’s easy to get burned out with life. We can even get burned out with “church”. It’s important to take time to rest so that we can have the energy to pour into the ministry God has placed us in. After feeding the 5000, Jesus withdrew to be alone and pray – away from the people and even away from His disciples:
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Matt. 14:22-23 NIV).
It was a common practice for Him, and He told his disciples to do the same:
“However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:15-16 NKJV
“And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while…” Mark 6:31a NKJV
It’s important to give of ourselves, but it’s also important to rest and be alone for a time! God exemplified this for us from the very beginning by setting aside a day each week – the Sabbath – to take the time to rest, and we find that in Him:
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
RECHARGE:
Before leaving the house, I always make sure I have my cell phone and that it’s charged, especially if I’m going somewhere new. I’m sure I’m not the only one either. I want to make sure that it’s there and ready to go if I need it, whether it be to call someone or use maps if I get lost. In order for us to be used, we too we need to be ready and “charged.” We need to plug into God DAILY.
We can’t expect to fully charged if we aren’t intentional either. When our phones are charging, we leave them there. If we take it off the charger to do something else, it’s (obviously) no longer connected and no longer charging. God isn’t going to chase us around and try to charge us up while we’re still “running around.” We must take the time and draw close to God.
“Come near to God and He will come near to you” (James 4:8a).
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 ESV
I am so thankful for the extra time isolation has given me. While it was nice to also learn new skills or sleep in, it has also challenged me to read the Word more and carve time out to pray and worship. (I can also tell the difference on the days I don’t do it!)
RECONNECT:
We may have been isolated in our homes, but the good news is we are not alone! We all have probably felt disconnected from the world, friends, and family – but it’s temporary! It has been the perfect time to spend reconnecting with our Father by spending time in prayer and worship. Just because church buildings have been closed doesn’t mean the church or God is shut down, and it’s no excuse to stop worshipping! Jesus is a close as the mention of His name. When we praise, His presence comes down. Where we praise, His presence abides (Psalm 22:3), and it doesn’t have to always be in the church; it can and should be in our homes.
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” Matt. 6:6 NKJV
I know I have enjoyed the extra time playing and worshiping along with praise music, and even more – seeing my daughter sing along has been such a joy to me. It’s definitely important to be in church and be with other believers (Hebrews 10:25), but that should not be the only place or time we spend time with the Lord. He is worthy every day!
“I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.” Proverbs 8:17 NKJV
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6 NKJV
RENEWAL
There are many definitions of the word renew. Merriam-Webster lists the following –
1: to make like new : restore to freshness, vigor, or perfectionas we renew our strength in sleep
2: to make new spiritually
3a: to restore to existence : REVIVE; b: to make extensive changes in : REBUILD
4: to do again : REPEAT
5: to begin again : RESUME
6: REPLACE, REPLENISHrenew water in a tank
7a: to grant or obtain an extension of or onrenew a license; b: to grant or obtain an extension on the loan ofrenew a library book
If we take the time out to rest, recharge, and reconnect – we will surely find and feel His renewal! He will renew us in all the ways of the definitions and beyond. He will make us new carnally and spiritually. He will restore, revive, and rebuild us – every single day. He will replenish us with all that we need.
“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Jeremiah 31:25)
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
God has so much to say about renewing us, and I don’t know about you, but I need – and want – that every single day! We just have to come to Him, and He will do the rest.
the awkward christian 