Bringing Your Physical Life Into Focus - Day 4

Today's devotional comes from the Life Development Sermon Series at Lifechurch.tv by Craig Groeshel.

God had finished the work He was doing and on the seventh day, He rested from all his work. Genesis 2:2

Most people live in what I call “survival mode,” and I’m not referring to the TV show. Basically, people are doing far more than they should be, and they end up fighting just to make it through another week. For many, survival mode becomes their primary mode, and most don’t even realize they are living this way. In survival mode, people start skimming over the important things. They start economizing, cutting back, and neglecting their investments in long-term relationships and goals. Just doing what they can to “get by” becomes the norm.

Are you in survival mode? You may be tempted to say no, but what if someone asked your spouse, your kids, or your closest friends? Are you taking shortcuts and fighting just to keep your head above water? Survival mode is dangerous because we become exhausted. When we’re exhausted, we find ourselves risking four things. We:

1. Become self-absorbed. It’s all about us, and all we can see is our own life.
2. Lose compassion for others. Others become an inconvenience and a burden, rather than someone to love.
3. Become negligent. All we’re trying to do is make it through another day, and we can’t focus on what’s most important.
4. Become vulnerable to sin, perhaps the most dangerous side effect of exhaustion. Remember? Satan tempted Jesus after his 40 days in the desert. When people are tired, they seek escape, and many types of sin are easy and dangerous forms of escape.

Maybe you’re ignoring the warnings. Maybe right now God is sending you some warning signals that you’re in survival mode, and instead of dealing with it, you’re hoping it will just go away.
Rest is spiritual, rest is holy, and rest is a priority to God. Don’t overlook the fact that God commanded us to rest. God said in His Word that the Sabbath is a day of rest, and everyone should honor that day. “God had finished the work He was doing and on the seventh day, He rested from all his work.” (Genesis 2:2)

Hebrews 4:10 says, “For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his work, just as God did from His.” One of the most spiritual things you can do is rest! Take time off from your work, and enjoy the presence of God and His blessings.

If you think that you can’t afford to take time off, I’d argue that you have one of two weaknesses:
1. You’re full of pride. You think you’re the only one who can do what needs to be done. That attitude is a dangerous thing. Scripture teaches us that pride always comes before a fall.
2. You’re exhibiting poor leadership. Any growing leader will see the value of rest and learn how to delegate, empower others, and generally make whatever decision is necessary to take time off.

It’s ironic, but when people are exhausted, sometimes they find it hard to sleep. 51% of the American workforce reports that sleepiness on the job interferes with the amount of work they get done. At least 2/3 of adults say that sleepiness interferes with their concentration. Nearly one out of four adults has difficulty getting up for work two or more days per week.

What’s happening? People are living in survival mode.

Think about this: What’s putting you in survival mode? What are you doing that’s so important that you find yourself disobeying God’s command to rest? Chances are you may have been lured into a lifestyle that is diametrically opposed to God’s plan. Jesus said, “…Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

In Christ’s presence, our burden should be light. That doesn’t mean we don’t have responsibilities, but it means that we handle our responsibility as we are empowered by the Spirit. If you’re in survival mode right now, ask yourself, What radical steps can I take to get out? This is a very serious question. How do you need to change your life?

Someone recently explained to me that there are two ways to charge a car battery. The first is a quick charge. If the battery’s dead, you put the cables on, hook them to another car, and jump-start the low battery. While this has immediate results, over time, too many quick charges can actually damage the battery. The better way to charge a battery is with a trickle charge. This takes more time, but it doesn’t take away from the long-term durability of the battery. Many people are living their lives with quick charges, quick hits.

Maybe for you it’s a trip to Starbuck’s caffeine emporium, or an afternoon off that you think will help you “hit it hard” for another month. I’ve found that Jesus’ model of taking extended time with God and “trickle charging” (in other words, physical and spiritual rest) is always the best recipe for full recovery.

Next Steps for Today:

• Spend some time in reflection. Ask yourself, In what areas of my life am I in survival mode? Ask family, friends, or co-workers for their input.
• If you’re in survival mode in some areas, what radical steps are you going to have to take to get out? List at least one that can begin immediately, with others for future consideration.
• Schedule time for rest this week. Write it on your calendar…and guard that time!

Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, we know that You know what’s best for us. You designed us to take periods of rest. We desperately need time to recharge in all areas of our lives. Help us to heed Your call, as Jesus did, to spend time with You in rest. We know You’re faithful to restore us. Thank you.