Verse: Romans 8:1-4
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Devotion
What I am currently struggling with is that I can’t seem to do all of the things that are expected and/or needed from me, and do them all well. It’s really hard for me to have a busy schedule, and to thrive within that. I like a slower but structured pace to my days, and I can’t have that a lot of the time. I see many people who seem to be doing a lot better than I am with their busyness. They seem fairly happy and relaxed, speeding from one thing to the next. Maybe they are as they seem, maybe they are not. But I know that every person is made differently, with varying capacities for what makes their day full, or too full. I used to be better at saying no and not feeling bad about it. But lately the guilt has been creeping up, and these verses are feeling like a lifeline.
Flesh is weak, and it’s ok to admit that we are not going to be strong or perfect, even in the best of circumstances. We are set free from the expectation to get it right all the time, but that’s not permission to just stop trying. However, we are given a tool, a helper, the Spirit, to fill in the lack, to strengthen us, to give counsel, peace, and clarity.
I’m not sure where “self care” fits into the scriptures, but I know that Jesus modeled retreat, solitude, breaks from the busyness. We are instructed to draw close to Jesus if we need rest for our souls and when we are weary and heavy burdened. I don’t think Jesus was thinking it would only be a small handful of people who need rest for their souls. He knew we all would need his rest. I’m trying to figure out how to lean into that rest, how to find it even in the midst of a schedule that is demanding. I trust that He has rest held out to me, available, and ready. I mean, I’m working on trusting…
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I need your rest and I am trying to draw near to you. Please help me and teach me to make your rest a regular part of my day, every day. You are so good. Thank you for your kindness! Amen.
Author: Emily Costa
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