Yesterday afternoon after I finished my work, I took a
time-out from everything-emails, texts, calls, social media and I rested. For
the last couple of days, I kept going despite not feeling well physically, and
being emotionally and spiritually drained. My sleep had also been restless the
past few nights, and I was waking up groggy, tired and irritable.
The first part of my week I was battling intrusive,
demonic thoughts and I could not get a handle on those thoughts because of the
sheer exhaustion I was having. I know enough to understand allowing evil
thoughts to run through my mind unchecked will bring me to dark places I never
want to go.
In my quiet time with God yesterday, I asked if He
would increase my time and energy so that I could complete my work and still
have time to rest that afternoon. I knew I
had a full day ahead if I completed all that was on my priority list, but I
believe God heard my anguish that I needed relief. I not only completed my
work in record time, but was able to take the afternoon to rest.
Initially I felt guilty about taking a time-out, I
played over in my head, “I should be,
could be or need to be doing this or that.” I sensed a gentle nudge from
the Holy Spirit that He had given me this time to take to replenish my body,
mind and spirit.
While I rested, I listened and watched programs that
fed and nurtured my spirit. I took a nap, and unplugged from anything that
could have distracted me from resting.
I
realized as I was feeling weak physically, mentally and spiritually the enemy
was trying to use this as an opportune time to gain an entry way into my life.
When I am tired and don’t feel well, I can get irritable, and frustrated
easily. I also have a harder time controlling my thoughts.
When I woke-up this morning I felt rested, had more
energy, felt physically better and was ready to get back into the “fight.” I
was so worn-out before taking this time of rest that I was “hearing static” or
confusing thoughts instead of the Holy Spirit.
Beloved, in Christ, these times we live in are most
difficult. The warfare is real and the
battles we face can be intense and draining. Don’t let the enemy take you
out because you are too tired and overwhelmed, ask God to help you carve in
some time to rest. Use that time wisely, don’t spend it watching or listening
to things that will encourage you to live a compromising lifestyle. During your
time of rest, truly rest, give yourself permission to detach from all your
electronic devices.
