STXWM Blog

Last week, I went to a ministry meeting with other local church leaders and the question was asked, “What do you do for peace, quiet, and rest?” I knew immediately what I was going to say. Only when it was my turn, I began to feel embarrassed. Perhaps, I misunderstood the question, because my answer was very different from the others. While everyone was talking about being in nature and reading their Bibles, I answered with “Going to the water park.” I know it sounds strange, but I really do find peace, quiet and rest when I’m with my family at the water park.

Here was my reasoning behind it: as we’ve talked before, family is very important, and God can show you the beauty of life through them. Any time I can get away with my family is (for the most part) restful. My daughter is a water bug and has always been fascinated by the water. Unfortunately, her parents are not, until this summer. We found ourselves attending the water park almost every weekend. Mom and Dad may have even snuck away for a day of water slides and ice coffee alone. Now, even though it can be loud and somewhat crowded, I’m able to focus. I’m making memories with my daughter. We don’t carry around our cellphones, and I don’t wear my watch. I’m only focused on her, and what she wants to do. There’s no agenda.

Around 9 years ago, my family and I took a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was about a 17-hour drive with a few stops along the way. We took turns driving and listened to Christian and 90’s country. But nothing compared to the sound of the crashing waves as we pulled up to our beach house for the week. I don’t know about you, but my experience with vacations is that you always have a plan. There’s a set schedule so that you can squeeze in every activity under the sun. This requires an early bedtime, setting alarms and creating itineraries. However, this vacation was different. We decided to make it a time of rest with no bedtime, no alarms, no time stipulations and no itinerary. We just enjoyed every day, whether we wanted to walk the beach, go to Ripley’s Aquarium, go to dinner, or watch a new reality tv show. We did it all and it was amazing! Hands down, this will always be one of my favorite vacations.

But rest is more than just a vacation or a day of water fun. Rest often involves a deep sense of peace and renewal that comes from spending time in the presence of God. My colleagues understand the importance of stepping away, even if it’s just for a moment.

Matthew 11:28- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

There comes a time when we need to slow down and ask God what his will is.

I found myself in a season of rest a few years ago. I thought I had everything under control, but the truth was, I was struggling. I continued to roll with the punches no matter how burned out I felt. My marriage, parenting, ministry and my own mental health were in trouble. This mostly stemmed from being in work mode all the time and not fully resting in his word or prayer. It wasn’t until I stopped that I realized I needed help.  

I’m reminded of two sisters in the Bible. Their names were Mary and Martha. One day Jesus was coming to visit them. Naturally, when you know someone is coming to visit, you want to tidy up a bit and maybe make some food. But this wasn’t just any guest. This was Jesus! Martha wanted to be a good hostess and started to prepare for his arrival. Unfortunately, she almost missed Jesus’ visit.

Luke 10:38-42

^{38 “}As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ⁴¹ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’”

Martha was so busy concentrating on her work that she didn’t realize she needed to slow down and rest at the feet of Jesus.

Recently, our congregation learned to listen to God and rest. Instead of being worried about the rain, lunch or taking a nap after Sunday service, we took that extra time to soak in his presence. It was a beautiful hour of listening, worshiping and being still. This was something all our souls needed at the time. We were in desperate need of refreshment, and God met us right where we were.

The world tells us to go faster, do more, push harder. But the gentle whisper of God calls us to pause, breathe and to simply be in his presence. He’s willing to meet you right where you are. You just need to invite him.

Melinda Brown is a mother, co-pastor, entrepreneur, and now she can add author to her ever growing list of gifts. She and her husband, Jason, pastor Columbus Community Church in South East Texas and now, Melinda has agreed to come on board as one of our newest authors on the STXWM Blog Team. Her heart is to share the love of Jesus through her writing and to tell the world of the healing and comfort that can be found in a relationship with the Lord.