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The Art of Spiritual Rest
For those who serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in their communities—the prayer warriors, volunteers, caregivers, and nurturers—spiritual depletion often comes from continually pouring out without being replenished. You may recognize this feeling when you find yourself saying, "I am so focused on others that I've lost touch with what I truly need from God myself," or "I want to hear God, but the chaos around me is just so loud." These statements reflect a profound truth that many believers experience but few openly acknowledge: serving others without tending to your own spiritual wellbeing eventually leads to emptiness.
The chaos that blocks our connection with God exists both externally and internally. External chaos includes the constant digital notifications, endless to-do lists, and relentless obligations that fragment our attention. However, the internal chaos often proves more disruptive—the emotional weight carried silently for months or years, the mental clutter of responsibilities, and the guilt or shame of feeling inadequate. As Isaiah 30:15 reminds us, "In quietness and trust is your strength," yet this quietness doesn't just happen naturally in our over-stimulated lives. It must be intentionally reclaimed through creating boundaries and speaking truth into the chaos.
Finding God in Chaos
Biblical affirmations serve as powerful tools for combating spiritual exhaustion. Unlike secular mantras, these Scripture-based declarations root us in God's unchanging truth when we feel overwhelmed. Simple yet profound statements such as "I am not alone. God is with me" (Isaiah 41:10), "I have permission to rest" (Matthew 11:28), and "God delights in me" (Zephaniah 3:17) can become weapons against burnout and lies that suggest we are falling behind or disappointing God. These affirmations, when spoken aloud or written where you'll see them regularly, replace weariness with the refreshing truth of God's Word.
Developing a realistic devotional routine doesn't require hours of uninterrupted time—a luxury few people have in today's busy world. God isn't measuring your faith by how many chapters you read or how eloquent your prayers sound. A simple 15-minute practice can transform your spiritual life: find a quiet corner, breathe deeply while using a sensory anchor like essential oil, open your Bible to a short passage, listen for what God is saying to you specifically, offer a one-sentence prayer, and close by declaring a biblical affirmation. This brief but intentional practice creates a protective boundary around your connection with God.
Sensory anchors serve as powerful tools for creating sacred moments throughout your day. Aromatherapy with biblical essential oils like frankincense or cedarwood can prepare your mind and heart for time with God. These aromas, mentioned throughout Scripture for worship and anointing, help guide the body and mind into a calmer, more receptive state. When you engage your senses, especially the sense of smell, you signal to your brain that this time is set apart for communion with God. These practices create space for the divine in the midst of daily demands.
You Don't Need to Earn Rest
Setting boundaries becomes a spiritual discipline when we understand that rest isn't selfish—it's sacred. You have permission to say no to extra commitments, close the door for ten minutes in the middle of a chaotic afternoon, or let the dishes sit while you open your Bible. The profound truth worth embracing is this: "I don't need to earn rest; I receive it as a gift from God." This perspective shift transforms how we approach spiritual renewal, removing the performance pressure and embracing rest as part of God's design for our wellbeing. Remember that God isn't asking for perfection or perfectly checked-off to-do lists—He's asking for your heart.
Do you find it difficult to keep God at the center of your day?
I help Christian women deepen their spiritual growth through devotions, prayer, and a customized aromatherapy session that will get you past procrastination and into a heart-healing rhythm of daily devotions.
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