“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him...” ~ Psalm 37:7a 

As you know, several years ago I embarked on a health and fitness journey because of some serious physical challenges. As part of that journey, I began to work with a personal trainer who has been invaluable in helping me set and attain my goals in fitness, nutrition, and overall health. In the beginning, I was painfully aware of how much I needed to improve in these areas. I was severely behind the eight ball and my physical limitations made my situation all the more desperate in my mind. I arrived for sessions 20-30 minutes early to begin warming up. I would go to the gym 6 days a week for an hour or so a day. I had equipment at home that I put into use during my down times. I set a high bar and a frantic pace in an effort to get where I felt I needed to be so that I could serve God to the best of my abilities. 

Imagine my surprise when Sam sat me down and talked to me about “rest days”. He insisted that I needed 2-3 days a week where I didn’t touch any weights at all and completely stayed away from the gym. He taught me that the body needs time to recover from strenuous exercise and work. Without those days, I was actually hindering my progress. 

The same principle is true in our spiritual walk. There are times when we must step out of the “busy-ness” and rest in the presence of our Savior as Mary did that one evening in Bethany! For me, I make time daily to silence the phone, close the door, open my Bible and spend quality quiet time “resting” with Jesus! Those “resting times” are when I find my strength renewed and I can run and not be weary! 

Pastor Bish