How to Rest in the Busy

Let me get right to the point. You CAN be fully busy and fully at rest at the same time.  For so many of us, our schedules are jam packed with To Dos and Must Dos and Gotta Be Somewheres. I won’t list all of the ways because your head and calendar are full of them already. I know that mine are. 

But, when we invite the Lord into our busyness or to be more accurate when we recognize His presence is already there with us, we receive His rest and peace. He gives us breathing space when we thought we had none, regardless of our booked calendars and overflowing To Do lists.

Consider Moses

If you want to talk about a busy schedule, we can talk about Moses’ To Dos. He had an entire nation of people looking to him to lead them. They didn’t listen really well. They argued with each other. They kept forgetting all that God had done for them and going back to their old ways and old gods. They complained a lot and all of this created more work for Moses. (This sounds a LOT like parenting!) Exodus 33:12-14 says:

Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

The NLT version puts it this way:  “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest.” God knew all that Moses shouldered. He knew all about his To Do lists and people problems. God responded to Moses’ busyness by going with Moses and offering him His rest. He offers the same to us.

Stepping into the Presence of God

The Lord wants to personally go with you, too. Every day. Right into your busy. The Presence of God means rest and peace in life. However, so often we simply go through the motions and don’t step fully into His presence, especially when we are busy. We fall for the lie that we have too much to do. At times, so many of us walk all around God’s presence. We do the right things. We serve in the right places. We tithe to our church. We sponsor children in need. We attend church weekly whether online or in person. We listen to Christian music. We have scripture up in our homes.

We are in the right room and that room is FULL OF LIGHT, because the Lord is there. But, stepping into the presence of God and accepting the rest and peace that follows is our choice that takes a slight shift in thinking. It’s a choice we must make to fully experience what He is offering.  

The Lord actually taught me this lesson through my dog. When Moses asked the Lord to teach me your ways, I don’t think he had dogs in mind but the Lord uses what He wants to teach us. Right? You can read more here.

Let’s get practical about how to step into His presence and rest in the busy!

Rest in the Busy through Worship Music

Worship music is my go-to for a quick mini-break in the middle of a busy moment. In 5 minutes, the right song can refocus our thoughts and energy towards the One who matters the most. We can find His rest when we look to Him and pour out praises to the Lord. Here are a few currently on heavy rotation on my playlist to remind me to seek His rest in the busy: 

1. Promises Maverick City Music feat. Joe L. Barnes (acoustic version)
Favorite Lyric: Though the storms may come and the winds may blow, I'll remain steadfast and let my heart learn when you speak a word

(Bonus: The link above includes an interview with the songwriters, who share a behind-the-scenes look at the creative writing process.)

2. Deep Places  William McDowell feat. Trinity Anderson
Favorite Lyric: Let Your glory fill this space and your people seek Your face.

3. God I Look to You by Jenn Johnson
Favorite Lyric: God I look to You and I won't be overwhelmed

4. War in Me by Ascension Collective, feat. Patrick Bass
Favorite Lyric: No shifting shadows or war in me, no doubt or failure keeps You from me.

3 More Ways to Rest in the Busy

1. Commit to this 4-Day Bible App Reading Plan.

Finding Rest in this Crazy Busy World
Does life seem exhausting? Do you need to reboot, either physically or spiritually? We've all experienced exhaustion in this crazy busy world, but how often do we refuse to rest because we think it's unimportant or even considered being lazy? God prioritized rest after He created the world, and Jesus promises to give you rest when you come to Him. Jesus invites you to rest now.
 

2. Pray like Moses*

Ask God to show up on your calendar and take control of your To Do List. Confess that you can't accomplish anything without His help and presence. It can be as simple as "God, You see what is on my To Do list and on my calendar. Help me to do the work you set before me and be fully present with the people You place in my path. Go with me just like you went with Moses and give me rest."

*Exodus 33:12-14 
 

3. Go Outside

There are some days where the only time you find yourself outside is walking to and from your car as you hustle from one place to another. Rest can be found there. Use those five minutes to breathe deeply. Look up at the sky. Listen to the leaves rustling or the birds chirping. Smell the rain (or stop and smell the roses if you see any). Be in the moment and choose to step into the presence of the Lord. He will give you rest.

Need more rest? Join the club.

Well, it’s not an actual club with a free secret decoder ring, but you will receive a digital download of my 4-Day Devotional, Simplifying Rest, as a free gift. Plus, the 4th of each month I’ll send you 4 resources to help you get the rest you need. YES! I need more rest!

MAY 5, 2021DEVOTIONAL, REST