“…For I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.” Jeremiah 31:25
Many of us do not live in a peaceful, rustic environment where we can sit on our patio and hear the birds sing, watch streams briskly flowing or inhale unpolluted air while watching the deer in our backyard. The noise and constant busyness that has aggressively entered our lifestyles are out of control.
Sadly, we do not recognize the impact until we are mentally and emotionally weary and our physical health is impacted. Yes, we can take a couple of days off and catch up on much-needed sleep, but can we empty our minds of pressing issues or eliminate most of our to-do list? Rest and relaxation extend beyond physical rest. Even the most powerful machines require maintenance to keep them operating at peak performance.
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
Jesus tells us that optimal spiritual health requires a continuous relationship with Him. The demands of life are incessant and will create greater burdens if we do not stop, recognize, and rearrange our priorities. We were created to have a forever connection with God. Like inanimate objects that require a connection to a source of power, we must stay connected to our spiritual source–Jesus Christ.
Rest and relaxation of the mind and body are considered a waste of time by today’s influencers who give us their standards for our lifestyles. The lifestyle of pursuing worldly success is in opposition to the One who created us. Listening to tranquil music, verbalizing mantras, and performing non-spiritual meditation can never provide the spiritual gifts of peace and replenishment that our souls require.
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Only Jesus can give us a life filled with daily spiritual renewal. And that means quality and quantity of time spent with Jesus in worship. Although divine intervention is always available, we must put forth the human effort of putting God first and asking for His help. Search the Scriptures! From Moses to Elijah, and Paul and Silas in their times of mental weakness and spiritual depletion, God’s intervention was immediate.
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.” (Psalm 34:17)
The righteous are promised Divine benefits. Yet, we must take the time to establish and maintain a meaningful relationship with the source, Jesus Christ. Through prayer, we have 24/7 access to God, the Father, Jesus, and, the Holy Spirit. Daily, we pray for strength and guidance to live according to God’s plans so we may receive the healing power of spiritual replenishment in our minds, bodies, and souls.
Prayer: God, we ask for Your divine intervention. Please reveal the busyness that keeps us spiritually depleted and distant from You. We pray for the anointing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Worthy name, we pray. Amen.
