The Bible is very clear on how important it is for us to take time to rest. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible speaks to the weary soul.
Heck, it was God who invented the Sabbath! If God took the time to rest after creating the world, then I think we can take the time to recharge ourselves.
The world we live in makes us feel like we are better people if we are busy all the time.
Friends, if our souls are running on empty, then it is impossible to pour anything out for others.
God’s desire is to take our burdens from us and to give us rest.
True rest begins in the soul. It doesn’t matter how much physical rest you get, if your soul is tired, then your whole being will remain tired.
Check Your Soul
Maybe you find yourself running on empty today. Don’t give in to the lie that you have to stay in this place of constant fatigue.
I can attest to the hope that your soul can find rest.
Between numerous different crises in my life, I have been the person running on empty more times than I care to admit. Every single time I’ve been weary God has always been faithful to provide rest for my soul.
The funny thing about soul-rest is that you actually have to put in a little effort to fully recharge.
10 Tips
When I find my soul running on empty I focus my effort on these 10 things to find rest.
1. Meditation
Meditation is rooted in the Bible and as Christians, we are commanded to meditate on scriptures, and on things that are “excellent and praiseworthy.” (Joshua 1:8 and Philippians 4:8)
Often when we are tired, either physically or spiritually, our minds are more prone to wonder than usual. It’s easy to find yourself anxious when you’re tired.
Meditating on “excellent and praiseworthy” things is an important tool for overcoming a weary soul.
One of my favorite tools for mediation is the app called “Abide.” I’ve used the app nightly for years and have noticed a huge difference in my sleep and the state of my soul.
2. Bible Study
What you fill your mind with when resting matters.
Have you ever noticed that when you spend a day binge-watching Netflix you end up more tired?
However you like to read the Bible, it is important to spend time studying the scriptures when you are tired.
2 Corinthians 12 encourages us that God will use our weaknesses to display His power.
In my experience, it’s been when I was bone tired and at the end of my rope that God poured deep revelations and encouragement into me.
If you want soul-rest, you need to meet with the creator of your soul.
3. Inspirational Books
Have I mentioned that it matters what you are feeding your mind?
My parents love to watch clips from America’s Got Talent. I like to read inspirational books.
Wherever you find inspiration and motivation fill yourself up with those things.
Side note: If you need a good inspirational book idea I highly recommend “Through The Eyes of a Lion” by Levi Lusko.
4. Music
Ok, so I’m one of those girls that if you look at my recently played music, then you can tell what kind of mood I’m in.
Music affects my soul. What I listen to correlates deeply to the state of my mind. When I need rest, I need Jesus, and I need Jesus music.
But, maybe for you, rest looks like jazz.
Whatever you’re listening to make sure your soul is finding rest.
5. Podcasts and Sermons
It kind of seems counter-intuitive that resting your soul actually means filling your soul, but y’all it’s the truth.
Who’s your favorite pastor? What pastor have you never heard before? What conference did you miss that you have FOMO? Who’s your favorite author or social media influencer?
Guaranteed there is a podcast and/or sermon that is waiting for you!
6. Nap
Rest means rest.
Just as much as your soul needs a recharge, I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest that your body could use a recharge as well.
7. Exercise
Your body was made to move.
From wheelchair exercises/bed exercises to a high-intensity workout, there is movement designed for everybody and every body.
When you sweat, or as my mom refers to it, “when you glisten,” the body releases all kinds of toxins.
A little glistening can do a lot for the body, including the brain and soul.
8. Get Creative
Even if you’re one of those people that say they are not creative or as the kids call it these days, “artsy”, you still need to engage the right side of your brain occasionally.
Sometimes we get stuck in black and white, but God intended us to see the world in color.
So, print a coloring page off of the internet, doodle a bit, watch a YouTube tutorial on how to draw Mickey Mouse, go to a museum, make a fun dinner, or work in your garden.
Just find a little more color in your life.
9. Spend Time Outside
Lord knows I need me some sunshine!
I used to live in Minnesota and in the winter, it was sometimes physically impossible to be outside for more than 5 minutes.
After a few years of noticing a drastic change in my mood every winter, someone mentioned to me that I could have Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD.
They told me to get a light that acts like sunlight to my brain. It’s called the SAD light, it’s a real thing.
Do you know what’s also real?
The healing power of spending time in God’s creation.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”
Psalm 19:1
It’s scientific and it’s Biblical, you need to spend time outside.
Your soul needs fresh air, just as much as your brain does.
10. Amaze Yourself
Writing is a gift that God has given me. I’m not a very good bragger, but truth be told, sometimes when I write I amaze myself.
You too have gifts and talents that God has given you. Think of something in your life that when you do it you amaze yourself.
When I used to play soccer my coach would say during practice I want you to think and focus, during a game, I want you to turn off your brain and just play.
Sometimes we need to just turn off our brains and just play.
Take some time to find a love for your talent, without any pressure.
When I write for my blog I think and focus. My journal time is a no-pressure zone and fuels my rest time. My writing usually looks atrocious, spelling, and grammar mistakes galore.
But, it doesn’t matter, because it’s my rest time.
Soul-Rest Is Waiting For You
Soul-rest is so important and yet overlooked more than tended to. So, when you’re feeling tired and rundown, look within.
God is concerned about the health of your soul and you should be too. Put in the effort and God will fill up your soul.
Friends, how can you actively seek out rest for your soul this week?
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
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