God created rest. When we rest, Jesus heals us, our body, mind, and soul.

I raised my hands during worship. I wanted my hands to go higher, so I was on the tip of my toes. My tears flowed and I cried out, “Lord, I am expecting that you will fill me up and show me something tonight. I need you. I need your healing power.” I was at a Girls Night at my friend’s church: shopping, snacks, worship, a message, and my friend was on a panel with other women sharing from their hearts. It was an incredible night full of all the things. When I walked in, I was tired, actually I was exhausted: mentally, emotionally, and physically. I didn’t know what I needed. I couldn’t figure it out. I knew only God could.

Then there it was, a crystal-clear vision in my mind. Jesus was there and he was tall, muscular and had dirt on his face. We were standing about ten feet apart looking at one another. HE had the full armor of God on as it says in the bible (Ephesians 6:10-18). He walked toward me and put his shield over my head and shoved it into the ground behind me. The shield stood taller than me. Since I’m only 5’1” tall that’s not saying much. I turned around and tried to pick the shield up, but it was too heavy. I looked back at Jesus and he told me, “This shield isn’t for you to carry, it’s for you to lean on and rest. The shield will protect you while you rest and let me heal you.” More tears flowed and I felt all my burdens lift. Burdens that I was taking too much responsibility for and trying to take care of myself: family, career, and the list goes on.

Jesus gave me the gift of rest when I met him over two decades ago; however, I had seasons of resistance when I shoved that gift right back at him. I’ve told myself, “I don’t want to miss out.” FOMO…if you know, you know. “If I want something done right, I’ll just do it myself.” I learned that from my Dad. “Take care of yourself.” Another Dadism.

That night I received the gift of rest, and I was healed. The fog lifted from my mind, my body relaxed, and my to-do list wasn’t in the “urgent” category anymore. I realized I was created by God and rest is a priority to God. HE said so on the seventh day (Genesis 2:1-4).

Rest is not a four-letter word. Receive the gift, my friends. Rest is healing for your mind, your body, and your soul. You are allowed to rest. God gave us permission. Now, give yourself permission to rest.

1. Other than sleep, what are some things or activities that are restful to you?

2. Have you ever resisted the gift of rest? What did that look like?

3. What are some phrases that you learned or created yourself that prevent you from receiving rest?

“So the creation of the heavens and the earth and everything in them was completed. On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. This is the account of the creation of the heavens and earth.”

(Genesis 2:1-4 NLT)

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

(Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)

From the creation of the world, the invisible qualities of God’s nature have been made visible, such as His eternal power & transcendence. He has made his wonderful attributes easily perceived, for seeing the visible makes us understand the invisible. So then, this leaves everyone without excuse.

(Romans 1:20 TPT)

Stacy McVane

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