I have always been someone who pours my heart into everything I do, striving for excellence in my endeavors. But when that drive became entangled with an unhealthy need to prove I was “good enough,” I found myself caught in an endless cycle of work. I became a workaholic, running on empty until I reached the point of burnout. The boss, seeing my exhaustion, encouraged me to attend a life changing retreat in Montana. It was a five day encounter with the Lord that transformed my faith and perspective.
The first question they asked at the retreat was, “What is your greatest need from God?” Without hesitation, my answer was rest. At the time, I believed rest meant simply doing nothing, sitting still to recharge. But that week, God revealed a deeper truth: rest is more than physical stillness. True rest is for the body, mind, and soul. It is found in the refreshing gifts God provides.
During that retreat, I reconnected with my artistic side, something I had long pushed aside as “unproductive.” I was refreshed as I sat outside painting in awe of his creation. I returned home with an insatiable hunger to learn more about true rest. I spent the next year studying Scripture, searching for God’s design.
True rest comes when my heart is at peace, fully trusting that my plans are submitted to Him, He is working all things for my good. Rest is fond in creating with my hands; whether through painting, kneading homemade bread, or simply engaging in something that stirs my soul. Rest is the weekly restoration of Shabbat, a time for my family to connect with our Heavenly Father, one another, and bless one another around the table.
This longing to understand rest more deeply also led me to study the Biblical feasts, uncovering the beauty of God’s appointed celebrations. As we approach Passover, I wanted to share some of the resources I’ve gathered and the significance of this feast in my life.
Last year, I was deeply moved by the realization that for thousands of years, families have lit candles and recounted the Exodus story of the blood covering the doorposts, the sign that saved them from the angel of death. This same meal was the one Jesus shared with His disciples, where He revealed that the matzah they broke symbolized His body and the wine they drank represented His blood, shed for us.
🙏🏻 As we approach this holy week, I’m turning this praise song, Same God, into my prayer:
I'm calling on the God of Jacob. Whose love endures through generations.
I know that You will keep Your covenant.
He heard His children then; He hears His children now.
He was providing then; He is providing now.
He moved in power then; He moves in power now.
He was the healer then; He is the healer now.
He was the Savior then; He is the Savior now.
He is the same God.
We stand on His faithfulness.
May this season of Passover remind us of His unchanging love and the rest we find in Him.
📖 RESOURCES
If you would like to know more about Shabbat or Passover here are some of my favorite resources:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your email so I can repsond to your comment.