Resting Without Guilt: Finding Your Identity in the “Less”

We are not defined by our illness, our lack of ability, or our means. We are not defined by our past or our failures. Instead, we are defined by a God who loves us and calls us to something higher: to walk a life worthy of our calling as children of the living God (Colossians 1:10).

The “Can’t-Do” List

I take a deep breath as I sink into my spot on the couch, heating pad turned all the way up. My to-do list feels more like a “can’t-do” list lately, growing longer every day. Along with that list comes the mounting guilt of never getting enough done. Am I alone in this conundrum? I have a feeling I’m not.

So many of us carry the heavy burden of increasing physical limitations. We focus so much on the clutter of everyday life and the pressure to “get it all done” that we forget it is okay to rest when we need to.

The Invitation to Come

Jesus said, *“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”* (Matthew 11:28)

Notice that Jesus did not say to come to Him only after you finished all your chores and tasks. He simply said to come if you are weary or burdened. It is okay to run to our Savior and rest when our bodies, hearts, and minds need it most.

Finding Your Rest

There are many ways to run to our Savior and find rest. For you, that might look like:

* Reading Scripture
* Singing worship music
* Writing in a journal with a glass of tea

Whatever you do to find stillness, know that Jesus walks beside you in moments of rest just as much as in times of activity. If you are currently in a season of low energy, a pain flare-up, or are simply exhausted from the day, know that you can rest in the arms of your Savior without guilt.

Fix your eyes on Jesus today and find the true rest you need for both your body and your soul.