Rest And Renewal

By Andrew Burditt

Throughout this wonderful country, the summer can be such an invigorating time as we take advantage of the warm weather, spend time outside, and often go away on a vacation. Life is so busy and can be incredibly fast-paced, so taking time away from your regular schedule is so incredibly important. 

Remember how you felt as a child! The weeks in June led to your summer break, where the days felt long, you could sleep in, and often families went on holiday. Many would hitch their trailers to their cars and go camping, or perhaps it was a beach holiday. For me, we would always go camping, swim in the many lakes around Ontario, and even head south of the border to see what places like Maine, New York, South Carolina, and Florida had to offer. 

My wife and I have continued this tradition with our children and that time away from the daily grind is crucial as we rest, relax, and recharge our physical batteries. 

As the familiar verses from Psalm 23: 2-3 remind us, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” 

Everyone of us requires the chance to rest and renew our spirits. As believers, there is the added benefit for spiritual renewal, because if we’re honest with ourselves, there are days when life gets in the way and we don’t pray as much as we should, or we don’t spend as much time in God’s word as we want to.  

The Bible is consistent in the way that it reminds us of the need for this rest and rejuvenation. This includes the traditional concept of the Sabbath, as well as the numerous times that we see Jesus seek peace, tranquility, and solitude. He craved that time to talk to His father, and to reflect and reconnect. 

Psalm 46:10 stresses the importance of that calm, peaceful rest, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 

As you make plans for a vacation, or even just time away from work and the stresses that life brings; focus on yourself, on your spouse, your children, and your family. Rekindle relationships that may have become strained and allow your body and spirit to rest. 

Most importantly, remember to embrace the sacred chance for spiritual renewal. Read the scriptures, pray to God, but also listen. Take walks and free your mind and heart to hear what He has to say.  

As we rest in God’s spirit, we will strengthen our relationship with Him, allowing Him to use our lives in the manner that is best for God’s plans. 

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40: 29-31 

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