We are in this series on self-discipline and find ourselves at the beginning of Holy Week. The week when Jesus is approaching his death on the cross. For sure, there wasn’t any “relaxing” to be found as the state of events progressed. Renewal would be coming soon.
You, however, are blessed to relax in the love of a Savior who gave His life for yours. I know your heart, just like mine, is greatly saddened at the painful events that took place during the original Holy Week. However, if it were not for the events of this week, relaxation would only be temporary at best, but never something we truly attain.
Being a strong-willed woman, I know the need for relaxation and I know the desire I have for it when everything around me is nothing but chaos. I’ve tried many methods to relax over the years. Some have worked to provide moments of relaxation and some have completely back-fired. There have been many “vacations” meant to bring relaxation, but ended up being so chaotic I had to go back to work to get some rest!
Techniques that help us relax and renew ourselves are critical to be aware of and to utilize when needed. However, the next barrage of stress will soon over take us unless we have a foundation built on something deeper than the next “in the moment” relaxation technique. In fact, the “in the moment” techniques aren’t really doing you any good unless they work well beyond the moments.
This is where the events of this week become critical in our lives.
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He made it possible for you and I to relax in the security of life everlasting. He made it possible to become new (not just renew) in Him.
I gave my life to Jesus 11 years ago. He gave me a new life filled with love like I’d never known before. I gained the firm, non-changing, foundation that I come back to everyday. Stress still comes, I won’t tell you that it doesn’t. But, with this firm foundation, I am not continually tossed around. When I meditate on Him, remember that I have a God-given purpose and put the chaos around me into proper perspective – relaxing and renewing comes quickly.
Giving your life to Jesus is a decision you only need to make once. It is also the most important decision you will ever make with the greatest impacts to your life. Scripture says:
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” – Romans 10:9-10
Once you accept the offer of Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, relaxing and renewing takes on a whole new meaning. Scripture says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
You will come to realize that the stresses of this life can never bring you down. Will stress continue to exist? Absolutely. Even so, you will be able take full advantage of those “in the moment” relaxation techniques. You will experience transformation well beyond the moments because you no longer live for only what is right in front of you.
Ways to Relax and Renew “In the Moment”
Stop the madness! Literally. Walk away, turn off the phone or whatever is required to get alone. Stop, breathe and give yourself a few moments of quiet. Concentrate on breathing. Make the breathes you take deep. Fill up your lungs and repeat to self, “breathe in, breathe out.” Go for several deep breathes or until the anxiousness of the situation has passed.
Walk away from whatever is going on. Take the time to walk around the block or move to a place physically away from the environment.
Grab a cup of hot tea. Drink it slowly and allow yourself to visualize a favorite place – even a place you dream about visiting.
Picture your family or others you are grateful for.
I suggest planning relaxation moments into your day. Take 15 minutes (twice a day) to shut down your devices, close your eyes.
- Get quiet with Jesus – say His name, express gratitude, close your eyes and rest in His presence.
- Meditate on the words of a song or scripture.
- Lay your head down and shut out the noise around you.
In this Holy Week, I urge you to be very serious about finding time to relax and renew in the love of your Savior. Use this time to envision His sacrifice of love for you. May your Easter celebrations be filled with the love of family and friends. Most importantly, may you experience Easter in it’s true meaning. With this, you will relax and renew in a greater way than ever before!
If you have questions about giving your life to Jesus Christ please contact me TODAY!
