December is a stressful time. It's not just the hustle and bustle of cramming everything we need to get done into a few weeks, but for some, it's when broken relationships and pain and suffering seem to be amplified and magnified. It might be that you're lonely, dealing with a broken relationship, or something you've hoped for didn't work out. It might be grief, past or present, that is weighing your heart down. Or maybe you're running on empty because you've poured yourself out trying to bring others hope, encouragement, and comfort. This is a worthy endeavor, but without balance and intentional rest, you will find yourself completely drained.

So, where do we go to fill up our tank and get refreshed? We only need to look to Jesus for our example. He got away from the crowds at times. In Matthew 8, we find him asleep in a boat while a storm is raging all around Him. I can just imagine huge waves rocking the boat, threatening to overturn it. If you've ever been in a storm on the water, you'll know how frightening this can be. His disciples were scared and had to wake him. They must have been asking themselves, how could Jesus sleep through a raging storm at sea? This is not a good time for a nap; we need you!

He was resting in the security of his Heavenly Father. Jesus knew something about intentional rest. We see him often pulling away from the crowds and their expectations in order to rest and refuel.

Why do we struggle with resting when we are weary? Even as Christians, we have an insatiable desire to do it all. We tell ourselves we are the only ones who can meet that need or take on that responsibility. Instead of pausing and praying, we jump to it. After all, it's important and needs attention.

In our weary, overworked minds, we equate doing with worth. No wonder we find ourselves running on fumes! We actually do have to work hard at intentional rest, but what does that look like—especially when people are pulling at us, hurting and needy people who legitimately need comfort and counsel? Maybe our to-do list makes us groan, or our overflowing email and voicemail scream for our attention.

Resting in a storm is not something I do well at. All I see is the storm, and I feel powerless and overwhelmed by it. I want to escape and get back to security and peace. I've come to realize that real rest is soul rest. It has a physical, emotional, and spiritual component to it. One affects the other. True rest permeates from the inside out. It can't be manufactured. Intellectually, we nod in agreement but can't seem to stop or slow down.

True rest comes from trusting God. He is most honored and glorified when we give Him control, and surrender our desire to fix or be all things to all people. We aren't designed to meet every need; that's God's job.

When the storms of life reach their highest peak and threaten to swamp our boat, we cry out to God. Our hearts beat wildly, and it's hard to breathe. Then, a strong hand reaches out and grasps our trembling hands. The Lord looks into our tear-filled eyes and speaks the most tender words right to our hearts:

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalms 46:10

"Come to me all who are weary and heavenly laden 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." Matthew 11:28-29.

"For the who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His." Hebrews 4:10

"Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:31

When one of my children was little, he was trying to tell me something, chattering away a mile a minute. I would occasionally nod, but in reality, I was tuned out and wasn’t really listening. Suddenly, I felt two small hands on my face, turning me around and saying, "You're not listening, Mom." When we're running on empty, could God be trying to get our attention because we're not listening? In essence, God is saying, “Pay attention to me; I have everything you need.” The answer is to slow down, rest, and listen to God. Listen to his truths and promises. They are like treasure.

Having these treasures of truth in our hearts is like having a bookmark we can go back to because we know they are God’s reliable truth. They give us stability when our tanks are empty. When you’re hanging by a thread, remember who hung on the cross. Christ Jesus, the Savior of the world, gave us salvation through his death, burial, and resurrection. When I rest and renew my mind with his solid promises, I feel my heart slowly refilling, not with my strength, but His.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.