Meet my friend, Rochelle Bauer.
She’s blogger, writer, and communicator. She’s a wife to Daniel and a stay-at-home mom to Isaiah (16) and Dominic (9 ½) in northwestern Minnesota, where the summers are short but sweet and the winters are long and cozy.
Her passions include reading, writing, and music, along with running around to her boys’ activities. She has a longing to share her deep-rooted faith in Jesus with others.
She shares how sleep became her escape, and how she found real rest.
~ Suzie
I loooove sleep.
I long for it. I crave it. I will do just about anything for it and I’ve always been that way. I’ll jump at any chance for sleep.
I discovered sleep is one of my biggest escapes from life. When I can sleep, I don’t have to think, feel or act.
I don’t have to make decisions or face life’s difficulties. It all goes away and I get a reprieve.
But lately, sleep hasn’t been the same for me. It doesn’t accomplish what it used to. I’ll still sleep whenever I can, but something has changed. I sleep . . . but now I rarely feel rested.
What used to be my escape, no longer works. I wake up feeling even more burdened than before and I’ve learned why.
Sleep can only give me the physical rest my body needs. I need to seek God to receive the proper rest my soul needs.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (NIV)
I’m in a challenging season of life right now. There have been major losses, constant stressors, and life changing events with even more on the horizon. Sometimes I can’t breathe because of the overwhelming circumstances and my “escape” (sleep) isn’t helping anymore.
Because I need Jesus.
I need His easy yoke and His light burden.
I need His comfort, peace, and strength.
I need to trade in my sorrows for His joy.
Amongst all of that, right now I need rest. The physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual rest that can only come through Him.
When I turn to Him, rather than my mere attempts for rejuvenation, my weary soul is renewed.
The burdens impressed on my heart are lifted. My vision is clearer, my intentions are purer and I am truly a better person, because He has provided me with all that I need.
[bctt tweet=”When we seek to rest spiritually, we find rest that is deeper than the physical. We all need that. https://wp.me/p4jbdw-41J #livingfreetogether ” username=”suzanneeller”]
He shows me how to be like Him.
It’s gentle and humble in heart. When I’m rested, I can receive instruction; that gift He so freely wants to give each of us.
When I let Him have control over my circumstances, I can rest in His plan for me.
When I allow Him into the depths of my heart, I can rest knowing He sees it all and still loves me.
When I confess and turn from my sin, I can rest in His forgiveness.
Rest is a loaded word with so many meanings for me right now and they all involve Jesus. Trying to do it on my own just plain tires me out. I can finally see through the fog enough to know I need more Jesus.
[bctt tweet=”Rest is a loaded word with so many meanings. For me, right now, they all involve Jesus. @rochellecbauer https://wp.me/p4jbdw-41J” username=”suzanneeller”]
I don’t know where you are in life right now. Maybe you’re stuck in a valley or maybe you’ve just reached the mountaintop. You might have an escape, like me.
Wherever you are, I pray you will look to Jesus to fulfill your needs. His ways are always higher…His plans are always greater…and His rest is always better.
Rochelle
Meet Rochelle. You are going to love her!
She’s a blogger! Connect with Rochelle Bauer at https://www.rochellebauer.com/
Follow her on Twitter!
Today’s Giveaway is a gorgeous necklace.
With this around your neck, you’ll always be reminded where to find rest. Thank you, Rochelle, for this giveaway.
To enter, just join the conversation on today’s post. Share your story. Encourage someone. Tell one way that you find spiritual rest. We love it when you join in, and treasure what you have to say. ~ Suzie
Honestly, I’ve struggled for years with getting enough physical rest. I’m a doer and have trouble turning my mind and body off before “everything” is done. Of course along with a lack of physical rest comes a lack of quality spiritual rest.
I set aside every early morning to rest with God. I’m just often not awake enough to get the full benefits of that time. Oh, how it’s needed though! I crave that close connection with the Lord.
Thanks for sponsoring this beautiful giveaway, Rochelle! God’s restful blessings to you.
Thanks for your honesty, Julie. We aren’t perfect and have to remember there’s no perfect “way” to take time with God…it’s just important that we do it, right? I fail, but He’s always there to help me get back up again…
I’ve been needing physical rest as well. Having two young girls ages 6 and 2 1/2 years old, it’s obvious. But I noticed while going through my struggle, it was mainly spiritual rest I needed to help me through what I was going through. I needed to get stronger in Him, and I’ve been doing my devotions a lot more. Even though everything is good now, I know to keep it up.
What a blessing you recognized which type of rest you were lacking! It’s tough when our kids are young and so very busy. So thankful you found devotions to be a great way of connecting with Him!
Thank you Rochelle for the timely wisdom! You described my life perfectly right now!! I know Jesus is going to give me such sweet rest! Thank you for reminding me where to turn!
I’m always thankful when I can relate to someone else’s situation or story. I feel less alone in the messes that come my way (or I create). I pray He gives you the rest you need.
Physical rest is something God knows that we need. Spiritual rest is also. The Sabbath is a gift of rest from Him…physical. The examples of JESUS getting alone with His father shows us the need for spiritual.
I, too, think about Jesus taking alone time to pray and be with the Lord…what a great example we have!
This is a beautiful reminder that spending “Be Still” time with God not only refreshes your mind but it keeps you in line with your walk with Him. I used to think that resting in prayer and falling asleep was a waste of time and I would fall behind with my daily tasks but I have discovered that if I don’t have this time of rest and refreshment then I might miss out on hearing what God has to say to me and talking to God is never a waste of time.
So true!
I begin feeling bad if I fell asleep during my prayers…then I realized what a wonderful way to fall asleep: with Jesus being the last person I thought about. You’re right-it’s never a waste of time!
One way I find spiritual rest is to begin and end my day communicating with Jesus. It’s His yoke I must accept to have peace and then… only then will I find rest. This takes action on my part! I struggle daily for my flesh to lay down the worries of this world (because the enemy is crafty and keeps shooting those flaming arrow!).
Here is my routine:
#1. I have to take action by refusing to listen to the enemy. It really is a spiritual battle!
#2. Praying is the key to peace. Examining MY own heart! Seeking forgiveness.
#3. Trusting in the promises of God. REALLY trust and believe.
It may take patience and time… but God never fails to guide me when I take up Jesus’ yoke and lay down my burden.
Tammie, Thank you for sharing your routine-it’s pretty much what I do too and when I miss it my day just doesn’t seem to go right. God is so good and right there waiting for us to invite him into our daily lives to guide us each and every step of the way.
Awesome. I love how you showed your routine, and how you put on spiritual armor. Wise, wise, wise!
Thank you for sharing your routine, Tammie. How important it is to armor up against the enemy’s schemes. Praise God for His guidance!
Rest…..I’ve been saying first the past few months I just need more rest! Being physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired all the time is hard. Thank You Jesus for these words of wisdom to help me realize my rest needs to cone from You. And that I need to give it all over to You so I can find true rest. What a wonderful gift You have given me!!
I pray you can hand it all over to Him and receive that rest He wants to give you!
I too have realized that I need to spend more time with Gis in reflection and prayer. That is what led me to this site. I now get up early every day, grab my coffee, and head for the corner comfy chair where I can start my day with God. It has made such a difference!
Penny, you just made me smile. I love the thought of women coming together and drawing closer to Jesus.
Sounds like you have a great routine going to spend more time with Him…and with your family in Christ!
It is funny how we try and find things to escape the one thing we really need. For me sometimes I hide in busyness and just filling the schedule when God wants me to slow down. I love how you communicate that the true rest we need is only found in One place, in Jesus. I am taking that truth into me day today. Thank you so much for sharing Rochelle!
Technology can be my escape. I love how Rochelle leads us to distinguish whether it’s truly restful, or if it makes us even more weary.
I agree. Why do we look for something other than what we know will help us? “I do what I don’t want to do…and don’t do what I want to do” reminds me of this situation. How frustrating! Grateful you are taking the Truth in…
Lately,since my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and underwent a bone marrow transplant, I find it hard to focus. Thankfully, Jesus knows this and as I kneel by my bathtub and cry or just say nothing, He comes to me and gives me His peace. He lets me cry knowing I have no words and He is there.He knows.He cares. We have an amazing Savior.
Thank u for this post! It really helped me.
Cancer is all-too familiar in my family. I’m sorry you and your family are dealing with that nasty disease. I found myself wrestling with God here and there, but He never left my side and He won’t leave your’s, either! One chaplain told me, “God can handle it-He just wants you to come to Him with it all-good and bad.” That grace sure helped me! Praying for your family right now, Anne.
He’s so good at being present in our darkest of times, isn’t He? Praying for your sweet husband’s health, and for strength and peace for you.
Lord, be with Anne today. Hold her close, Jesus. Walk with her through this valley and cover her with your presence. Fill this husband’s room with your sweet love and overwhelming joy, as he senses you as close as a whisper. In Jesus’ name.
This is good stuff, Rochelle! Thank you for sharing from a vulnerable place, and offering words of wisdom that I think everyone can resonate with. I’ve been tired for years… lol! I’m learning that a combination of physical rest and spiritual rest is often difficult for me, but is a necessity of life. I need to STOP (another important form of rest) and allow my body to turn to Him in every single way. Love you, friend! Thank you for this beautiful reminder today!
I understand the “tired for years” part! lol Even though we laugh about it, I’m thankful we both know what to do about our fatigue. 🙂 Thank you for your friendship!
We just went through a crazy season with my family and I am finding it hard to focus on Jesus for my daily needs. During the season, I was seeking Him every day. Now I find myself being mad, sad and jealous of others rather than truly seeking Him. I also struggle to share with my friends (many of whom are not Jesus lovers) my real feelings, so I have retreated from relationships. I, too have not found my sleep to be restful lately.
God is slowly reminding me to seek Him though, and I love his gentle nudges. Just yesterday, as my daughter was giggling, I felt my heart release all burdens and just experience feelings of thankfulness. Thank you, Lord for all that you have blessed me with, even through the hard times!! My focus needs to be on each day, thanking Him for a healthy family!
Lord, fall upon Sarah today in a beautiful way. Consume her so powerfully that she would be unable to deny your presence among her. Give her the strength and encouragement needed to seek your face in her everyday circumstances. Surround her with others who will do the same. In Jesus name.
Wow, Crystal! Thank you for your kind words and the tears of gentle release today! I so needed that!! May the Lord be with you always!
There’s nothing like the laughter of a child, is there? Yesterday Josiah, my 3-year-old grandson, lay across my lap and I circled my fingers across his belly. He giggled because it tickled. I love that smile. I love that laugh.
Praying that this hard season is filled with moments of laughter that take you by surprise. I pray that you sense God near in so many ways.
Oh how your story resonated with me! I felt I had written it…as so much of it is true in my own life at the moment. How beautiful it was, though, to hear you notice your daughter’s laughter…so often we miss Him in the little things. At least I do, anyways. Also, how important it is to thank Him amidst the storms. Praying you find rest and companionship from Him.
I think the best definition of rest for me, is feeling his peace. I just had my third surgery in a year and half, but this one I had peace.Peace that I was with the right doctors and that God was holding me. What a difference when you put your trust in Jesus completely instead of thinking you got it figured out. We just need to take your hands off and believe the Lord has it handle.
Amen Beth! Praying for complete healing for you from this recent surgery!
What a beautiful statement of faith! Praying with you.
I’m sorry you’ve to endure those surgeries. I pray they come to an end! How wonderful, though, that you had peace with this last surgery. How tiring it must be to have to deal with these physical trials–but how good it is when we know God is working through them. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
I am a sleep addict!!! I take naps whenever I can, but most times wake up with a headache! Thank you, Rochelle, for your testimony. Thank you, Suzie!
Dori, Praying for you to receive the rest that nourishes your body and spirit and banishes those headaches!!
Dori, I too love sleep. I have always treasured naps, and Sunday afternoons are my special time to slip away and rest. All of my children and most of my grands love this too. I love how Rochelle distinguished between sleep as a restorer, and sleep as an escape. Lord, help us to discern the difference. Fill us up with your power and rest. In Jesus’ name.
I suffer from headaches, too, Dori. I pray your’s will stop and your body, mind and soul can get the proper rest from Jesus.
Thank you Rochelle for this beautiful reminder of our need for spiritual rest and to rest in Jesus. I’m going through a physical trial with severe pain in my right knee. Physical rest is almost non existent right now because it’s so difficult to find a comfortable position. Pain and being over tired causes me to be irritable. Causes me to act in ways I don’t really like. Causes me to get out of my normal routines including my time with Abba daddy. Thank you for the reminder to take my pain, tiredness and frustrations to Jesus and to trust him during this time, Holding you up in prayer Rochelle!
Lord, I pray for Nancy. Heal this knee. Cover her with your powerful omniscient presence. You are God. You are who we turn to for our friend, Nancy. In Jesus’ name.
Oh Nancy…I pray your pain will go away and your knee will be healed! Hurting physically can be so draining. Keep trusting Him and His plan and I’ll keep praying for strength and comfort as you wait. Bless you, my friend!
This is so me. Thank you for sharing and helping me to see that Jesus is waiting for me to spend more time with him, then I will also be able to truly rest.
I’m thankful this spoke to your heart and you could see what He wanted to show you!
This devotional is so meant for me! Thank You Lord! My days are “restful” when I start them off with time with God, in prayer and His Word. Sadly I don’t do it daily. I am encouraged now to strive again for a daily quiet time leading to a restful night.
We’re not perfect, but I’m thankful you notice a difference in your day when it begins with God. What a beautiful blessing that you can see Him working in your life!
So true! Thank you for this . I need Rest!
I need it too! 🙂
This post spoke directly to me. Thank you, Rochelle!!
Thank you for leaving a comment and that God used this message to speak to you! <3
This was much needed. I have been going through a time of not only a lack of sleep, but also one of tasks beyond my abilities. I am learning that pressing in to God is the only way.
I’m praying your struggles will end–or that He will give you strength and peace through the frustration of not sleeping well. So thankful to hear you are leaving that God is the only way! Such important truth to remember…
Rochelle,
Thanks for sharing from your heart. I can totally relate to your heart for sleep and God’s provision for true rest. Matthew 11:28 has been a verse I go to regularly as this season of motherhood/stepmotherhood has brought emotional trials that sleep cannot fulfill the rest it did when I my body was worn out as a new mom. Only Christ can renew and restore – not sleep. Your message is powerful. May it speak life and hope into women seeking true rest and may they find it in Christ.
Heather
Thank you for your comment and encouragement! I have found the emotional trials are worse for me to seek rest from, than the physical fatigue, as you mentioned. I think the enemy loves to get in the middle of my thoughts and emotions and divert me from turning to God with them. I need the reminders to stop and go to Him with it all…each and every time. Bless you!
Hi Rochelle! Thanks for this reminder today…I find that the older I get, the less rested I feel! I have to be so much more intentional not only with physical sleep but with spiritual rest as well. I can tell when I’ve been spinning my wheels too much and not focusing enough on resting in God’s love and goodness!
I couldn’t agree more with you. I have noticed more fatigue as the years have gone by. Maybe there’s more responsibility in life…or my stress has increased, I don’t know. But I spin my wheels, too, and need to just go to Him with it all! Working on that and enjoying the rest from Him when I am obedient.
Loved this post! I spend a lot of time awake at night ( for multiple reasons) but try to use the time to pray. Thanks for your insight!
I’ve always been a night owl and have never been a morning person. Ever. I, too, use the nights for prayer. Not always, but I’m a work in progress! 🙂
I love to go out to a friends farm and sit by the pond. It is so peaceful. I can be still and enjoy God. I call them my God dates.
One of my favorite spots is by open water. Seeing how beautiful God created nature to be is such a great reminder of His goodness! I pray the peace you find on your God dates continues on.
The book of psalms read around has always brought great comfort to me. I have used sleep to escape the realities of life; only trouble is you can’t sleep away your troubles they are there when you wake. Resting in our heavenly Father provides a renewal of spirit that is much needed in our busy world. Thank you for sharing your story.💝
Diana, the Psalms are so wonderful to spend time on! I agree that His renewal of spirit is so very needed…
I can identify with the need for rest for body and for my spirit! I am finding as I grow older that my body refuses to get to sleep right away. I then try to take melatonin, that helps relax and bring sleep, or do some relaxation exercises and breath deeply to get more oxygen in my system. Yet, I always find that when I start to pray for others and my loved ones, there is a definite entrance into blissful sleep. Satan wants to keep me from this kind of meditative state which soon leads me into slumber. I have tried to see if this will succeed when I ponder my circumstances and plan my day, rather than pray for God’s direction. This sort of thinking leads me no where but into concern and dismay. I can break free to engage with my Father God, and case my cares upon Him (IPeter 5:7). Thank you for making me realize how vital it is to find the rest of God. I need to leave all my concerns and hopes in God’s hands and let Him direct me.
I am with you! The past couple of years it has been difficult for me to fall asleep at night-especially if something big is on my mind. I, too, utilize melatonin supplements. As you, when I finally lay it down at His feet, the rest comes….
I love this, Rochelle – and needed it so much today. How do I find rest? Lately, I haven’t been doing very well with it. I have let myself get so caught up in the calling — forgetting the Caller. But He’s been reminding me in so many ways lately, to turn my focus back to Him FIRST. This series on rest couldn’t be more perfectly timed! But then again, God knew it would be. 🙂 xoxoxo Thank you for this wonderful post!
He is so good, isn’t He? He knows just what we need and places it in our path. So thankful when we can see Him working and we respond to His calling. Even though we sometimes forget the Caller…we can rest knowing He’ll NEVER forget us!
I love to take peaceful morning walks listening to sermons on my mp3 player or music by my new favorite artist- lauren daigle. Trust in You. Listen to it. So powerful….sets on perfect path.
I love music and the way it speaks to my heart! I, in turn, use it as a firm if worship, too. So glad you have a way of getting even closer to Jesus!
Thank you for sharing this today. We have been under intense difficulties as a family for several years. I have found that I find deep rest and comfort in worshipping through music. It has been such a great way to keep my focus on the Lord and not our circumstances.
Music is one big avenue I know God uses to reach me and for me to worship Him. I’m thankful you have that outlet, too!
The necklace is just so lovely. Currently I am in grad school working on my MDIV to become an ordained Methodist Pastor. I fight the battle of those who don’t believe in women leaders It can make you weary. Two weeks ago my dad almost passed away. He has smoked for years and with his COPD it is disastrous for him. I am weary and wore out from school, work, and now taking care of my daddy. What a beautiful reminder this is that Jesus calls to those who are weary and strengthens us! Thanks for the reminder and the great blog.
I understand the caregiver role-or even just the scare of possibly losing your parent. It’s not an easy journey. Rest knowing He sees it all and understands…and wants to save you from the worry and stress and demands in your life. ❤
Thank you for sharing this. It was exactly what I needed. There has been a lot of changes in the last several months, leading up to my husbands open heart surgery. Praise God that it was successful and his recovery is going well. I feel so worn out in all areas of my life, spiritually, emotionally, physically. I feel so sad, depressed, crying a lot. And reading all the time, by escape from the world go to, isn’t working. And to top it off, my husband has been taking things out on me. So we have had some arguments over that. I am not hearing God like I use to, and my quite time hasn’t been the same. I am use to doing this is the mornings, and with all the appointments , I have had to switch to the afternoon. I just completely overwhelmed right now.
Dee-thank you for your openness and honesty. Life can throw us some curve balls and sometimes it’s overwhelming while you try to navigate them. Been there. I AM there. I pray over you, your husband’s health, your marriage, and any other unspoken battles you have. Rest knowing God is always there-morning, noon, or night-and He’s not going to give up on you because your schedule changed. He can be the one constant in our lives. May He bless you Dee!
Thank you Rochelle, I will cling to that, God is my constant, He never changes. !!
My soul needs rest. It’s been a very challenging year, and I need to rest in God’s grace, healing emotionally, and in his love for me.
Thank you so much for sharing this. This is a key verse for this type a, driven chick! I try to do so much on my own and fail to draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
I’m grateful that he sees this and knows me all too well. I see that he is drawing me into his rest, and I am praying that I will surrender to him in this. Blessings to you and your ministry!
I try to do so much on my own, too. When I receive His help, I wonder why I didn’t step aside earlier and I am thankful, as you are, that He knows me well. But these posts about getting rest through Christ are such good reminders for all of us! So thankful it’s never too late to surrender.
Oh Gretchen, you just described me. I love the words “driven chick,” because that’s who I am as well. Over the years, God has shown me how to be true to that trait he placed in me, but to rest in what I’m supposed to do, versus what is his to do. : )
In desperately need this rest- His rest. I crave it with every cell in my body. I’m so weary. Thanks for this post today.
He’s there-ready to give it to you!
I certainly love sleep too. You made a good point about how sleep only gives us physical rest, not spiritual rest. I liked how you said, “rest is a loaded word with so many meanings for me right now and they all involve Jesus.” Some ways I find spiritual rest are Bible reading and study, prayer, worship music, listening to or watching sermons/ Christian teachings, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. Also, I am finding that learning and rehearsing God’s character/ attributes and my worth and identity in Christ will bring peace to my spirit. What you said about confession and forgiveness helping us experience spiritual rest was convicting, but good to be reminded of. Matthew 11:28-30 have always been special verses to me! These verses are very relevant, encouraging, and comforting to me in the midst of really difficult circumstances I have been facing for many years now. The necklace is so fun and beautiful, and how neat that it displays this Scripture! I like being able to wear something that reminds me of a spiritual truth and could also be a good conversation starter. Thank you so much for doing this great giveaway!
This is so good Rochelle! I am currently praying for rest only He can give!
Rochelle,
Thank you for your post today. I needed this in my season of life. It reminded me to stay for focused on my bible journaling. It keeps me focused on Jesus not the daily challenge of life. There are weary days but He carries me through the difficult time.
Rochelle,
Thank you for your post today. I needed this in my season of life. It reminded me to stay for focused on my bible journaling. It keeps me focused on Jesus not the daily challenge of life. There are weary days but He carries me through the difficult time.
sorry posted twice