Isaiah 28:12-13 “to whom he (God) said, ‘This is the resting place, let the weary rest’; and, ‘This is the place of repose’ – but they would not listen. So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there – so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.”

Some people while on a journey believe that nothing, not even rest, should stand between them and their appointed destination. They believe God would be most pleased if they didn’t “waste” time with bathroom breaks, rest breaks, or scenic stops to look at the beauty and simply enjoy the journey. We live in such a fast-paced society yet God understands that we are not machines. He created us. And part of our journey, which can be very long, he has built in ‘rest stops’ to allow us to recharge our batteries, rest our bodies and minds, and give us the opportunity for spiritual reflection. For those who choose to press on and skip over these times of rejuvenation, they run a great risk of delays down the road. Those who grow weary become easier targets for the enemy. When we are tired we do not think clearly, or see clearly. It is in those times we are most likely to find ourselves off the road, missing turns…or worse. God has planned rest for you. It is not a delay but calculated in. It will not make you late – on the contrary, it will help you arrive on time!

Pray: “Dear Father, Sometimes it seems that, living in this world, I have forgotten how to slow down. Help me to see times of rest not as delays but as times of safety, ensuring that my journey will be successful. When those opportunities to rest come allow me to see them as part of the journey and not an interruption of the journey. Lord Jesus, thank you for traveling with me…in your name I pray – Amen.