By Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com Girls Ministry
Like in any other profession, Christian Ministers experience "burn out".
Let's remember to take cues from The LORD and regularly take some time off from work. "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." (Luke 5:16, NIV)
There are many different opinions / views of modern day "Sabbath" observances. (see the Old Testament Bible books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy for more information)
However, the basic principle of "rest" from ones work stays the same. Even God took time off from His work of creating the Earth. (see Genesis 2:1-3)
"Rest" should be a time of "renewal". It doesn't mean laying around all day letting your brain turn to mush.
There are lots of productive relaxing "things to do" on our times off from work, but the most renewing of all is spending time reflecting on our life with The LORD.
"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God." (Luke 6:12, NIV)
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 encourages us, "The best that people can do is eat, drink, and enjoy their work. I saw that even this comes from God, because no one can eat or enjoy life without Him." (NCV)
What a wonderful regular practice to reflect upon God's daily provisions in our personal and professional life. It is often in these restful, reflective times with The LORD that He renews us with new ideas, inspiration, and encouragement for when we "get back to work" and life.
"Depend on the LORD in whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3, NCV)
* This is an excerpt from the book In the Times Girls Ministry by Ruth Tynes. Copyright 2006. It may not be reprinted or posted without written permission from the author. Please contact for reprint permission.
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