How nice after a long day of work to come home and do nothing – to put our feet up and zone out for a few hours. We might turn to television, video games, or social media for a few moments of relief. With the constant demands of life, we look forward to even these temporary moments of relief – a chance to release all the pent up pressure of the day. However, in time, we need more than just a few moments of relief. Our souls need restoration.
Restoration builds us up and renews our spirits. Much more than a mere break, restoration fills us with life. The challenge is that restoration often takes more time and effort to achieve than simple relief. It is much easier to watch another show than to call a friend and have a meaningful conversation. And mindlessly surfing the Web takes less effort than reading a good book. Nevertheless, it is worth the effort to pursue regular doses of life.
God intended our life to be lived with regular rhythms of rest and restoration. The wisdom of the Sabbath is still applicable and very much needed in our high paced world today. And even nature teaches us we need the rest of winter to welcome the new life of spring.
By all means, we should enjoy our moments of relief. Some days this is all we can get. At the same time, we must actively seek restoration. Bringing more life and goodness into the world depends on our ability to regularly be renewed. We cannot pour water out of an empty cup. We must restore our life tank in order to pour into the lives of others.
Where do you find life? What fills you up?
Don’t settle for mere relief. Pursue restoration.
Father, restore our souls!
