It's Okay To Relax

Learning the Art of Unwinding
Ahhh, how nice it is to relax! I say this as I write from the back deck of my daughter’s house at beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. It is Labor Day weekend and I’m having a great time!

I make mention of this because it’s rather unfortunate many of us ministers/leaders have a difficult time letting ourselves indulge. Ironically, it’s taken me several days to unwind myself! Nevertheless, I strongly believe that God wants to teach us how to relax.

Surprisingly, relaxation is unnatural for many. Preconditioned mindsets and unrelenting pressure to succeed produces a drive in us that doesn’t equate with relaxation.

However, scripture reveals that Jesus never condemns mankind for relaxing. As a matter of fact Jesus himself always seemed to be fresh and relaxed, almost as if He was on a vacation. Not a bad way to live, huh?

So how do we learn to relax? What are the keys? Well, here are a few pointers, hopefully they will help.

1. Don’t feel guilty for taking time off

Have you ever found yourself feeling guilty for taking time off? I know I have. My advice is…don’t!

In the book of Mark, Jesus told His disciples to, “come apart for a while.” The implication is that if you don’t come apart for a while you will come apart in a while. (Mk.6:31 KJV)

2. Don’t let yourself feel hurried

It has been said that hurry is the pace of the 21st century. We have to understand that there is a huge difference between diligence and hurry. We have to learn to pace ourselves.

I like what Joyce Meyer says, “Rushing begins in the mind, just as all actions do. “I have to hurry” is a thought pattern we must avoid.

3. Learn to schedule regular relaxation into your life.

Relaxation is a discipline. It’s planned and scheduled. Anyone can do it. It’s as simple as allowing yourself the freedom to have a little get-away; whether that get-away is geographical or simply a frame of mind.

So, have you scheduled some relaxation time?

Conclusion

It’s okay to relax! As a matter of fact, you should practice it daily, weekly and monthly. Are you? Why not start now; ask God and He will help you.

Ahhh, how nice it is to relax.

Coach John

Works sited: In Pursuit of Peace, Joyce Meyer

Comments

[Wade Thompson]

John, this word on rest is very much needed now. As believers we must find our place of rest in our "lion's Den" Jesus lived this discipline as much as he did the discipline of prayer.