About a week ago, I wanted to turn my mind off. I would be washing dishes, taking a shower or even lying in bed trying to sleep and my mind wouldn’t turn off. Has that ever happened to you?
I remember falling asleep wishing that my ten-month-old baby wouldn’t wake up in the middle of the night, not because I wanted to have a good night’s rest, but because I knew that the thinking would start all over again.
There were a couple of things that were causing my unrest. They were all happening at the same time, so I had special names for them, “The Perfect Storm” or “The Middle of the Unknown,” depending on who I was talking to. I know, I sound a little dramatic, but this is how it feels sometimes.
As a mom of four with a baby, I desperately needed rest but this particular night I needed a different kind of rest. I needed mental rest. I wanted to stop thinking about things I couldn’t fix and that were out of my control.
Us moms can get in this never-ending cycle fairly easily. We doubt ourselves, we think we are not doing enough, or not good enough. Maybe we are doing too much because we think we should be everything for everyone.
We worry about the uncertainty of the future and try to control it. We compare ourselves with other moms and think that we are failing terribly. I am guilty of doing these, sometimes all together.
We need rest from our own thoughts…
Fill up your mind with truth
I have noticed that during my times of restlessness, I have not been spending time in the Word. All the space that would be taken up by God’s truth is vacant. Lies and distractions take advantage of those vacancies and I find myself with a mind full of meaningless clutter.
“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…” Ephesians 6:13-14
During one of those nights, a Bible verse came to my mind that I memorized as a child.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28
It felt like fresh water to my soul. I was able to rest that night meditating on this promise.
Memorize Scripture
That night was just one example of many where a little truth that I had taken the time to read and ponder on earlier in the day came rushing into my mind at the perfect time.
This is why it is so important to memorize scripture. Even if you don’t have a Bible available, you can still access the truth you need at any given moment.
As a mom, it can be hard for me to spend time doing this. Thanks to technology, there are many new ways to memorize scripture and not feel overwhelmed by everything else you have to do.
One of my favorite ways is the audio Bible. While I am washing dishes and making dinner I listen to a verse that I want to memorize as many times as I need to. Repetition is the key for memorization! It is like a song. The more that you listen to it the more that you will retain!
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
Keeping a clear mind can be challenging. There is an actual battle going on in there. There are so many things around us trying to steal our peace. Hold on to God’s truth and let it give you the strength that you need.
“The Middle of the Unknown” is still there and my mind sometimes still goes back to that place, but it isn’t as much of a burden anymore. I know that I am not alone in the middle of the storm. The one that gives me rest keeps me company and grants me the grace and peace that I need.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
Start by memorizing this verse. Tonight, sleep peacefully. Rest in His truth.
