Odd title, I know. At the drop of a hat, if not sooner, I can be in rest-mode... and linger there for a seemingly endless span if time. Who needs to 'prepare' to relax, anyway? Well, our devotional today actually reflects on our 'before your day begins' time. One of the very hardest things to do is not do things, not prepare, not get ahead of yourself, and certainly ahead of the Lord as you face the day. It is SO easy and rather natural to 'get to it', right out of the gate, right as your feet hit the floor... and many times, way before!
That is how it's always been, it seems. Working 'the grind' of life, the racing with the rats, as it were. In fact, Ephesians 2:2 quantifies it as; "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience", which is a reminder that once you are surrendered to Jesus, take time during your day and get ready to relax your spirit in His, relax your fears in Him, relax your very heart, soul, and body in His presence... getting time with Him.
I find it amazing how exponentially beneficial that time with the Lord actually plays out through the day. See... I can only surmise how the day is going to go, the various events, experiences, the highs/lows, and worse... the stress, anxiousness, and certainly the opportunities to be an example, good or bad, for others to witness His moving power in your life. But, He 'knows' how your day is going to go, His plan for you will guide you through your day... not like a marionette, but a living being... in fellowship with the Lord.
Take thought about how Jesus always did this. Hebrews 12:3 tells us; "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.", which may be a little tough to decipher, but essentially this passage is reminding that we can avoid being 'worn out' or unable to complete our day, or even maintain a holy and righteous spirit through our toils by first 'getting ready to relax' in Him and consider Him in our lives; how He overcame sin and sinners; He endured rejection; He came to meet us here on earth - not expecting us to 'get better' and be able to reach up to Him. Get ready... get ready to relax on the Lord, then He'll empower you in your day!